Looking After Health / Mental Health
Looking After Health / Mental Health
FAQs about looking after your health and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian government is seeking the help of everyone to slow to spread of COVID-19. In some cases that requires social distancing and in other cases it requires strict self-isolation, such as those returning from overseas.
Currently, everyone is expected to:
- practise good hygiene
- practise social distancing
- follow the limits for public gatherings (vary by state and territory)
- understand how to self-isolate if required.
More information can be found at the Australian Government website here. Or call the National Coronavirus Hotline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.
Social distancing and public gathering rules vary in each state and are constantly changing in response to COVID-19 cases and situation updates. Following are links to current restrictions by state or territory.
These rules are mandatory so both you and your co-parent should follow them. At all times, parents or carers must act in the best interest of children including regarding their safety.
If you are concerned about the safety of your children, as a first step, and only if it is safe to do so, you should speak with the other parent to talk through your concerns and see if you can agree on parenting arrangements. Children benefit from a consistent approach to parenting across households.
If you're finding it difficult to reach an agreement with your co-parent, you may wish to try family dispute resolution. Further information, advice or a referral to telephone-based Family Dispute Resolution services can be found on Family Relationships Online or by calling the Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321.
If you or your children are feeling unsafe or experiencing domestic or family violence, you can access information, counselling and support through 1800RESPECT website or call 1800 737 732. 1800RESPECT are open 24 hours a day during COVID-19.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, please contact the Police in your State on 000.
During this time of uncertainty, it is natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed by the constant news and overwhelmed by the amount of information available. This can be worsened by relationship or family pressures or dealing with other issues such as loss of job, recent bushfires, loneliness or even death and illness.
It is important to do things that help support good mental health such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying informed and positive and seeking help whenever needed.
There are many resources available that provide practical advice on how to look after your own wellbeing and how to manage feelings of anxiety during coronavirus.
Head to Toe Health has practical psychological tips for coping with the stress of COVID-19
Reach Out has a list of ten ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus.
Beyond Blue has a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Health Wellbeing Support Service available at or on 1800 512 348.
The Child Mind Institute has resources for helping families cope during COVID-19 including Supporting Kids During Coronavirus and Supporting teenagers and young adults during COVID-19
Other support services include:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis telephone support.
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 for 24/7 telephone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25 years old.
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 to support men experiencing emotional or relationship stress.
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 for information and advice about mental health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 019 123
If you or your children are feeling unsafe or experiencing domestic or family violence, you can access information, counselling and support through the 1800RESPECT website or call 1800 737 732.
1800RESPECT are open 24 hours a day during COVID-19.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, please contact the Police in your State on 000.
It is normal for children to feel worried or frightened about COVID-19 and the changes to their usual routine. They will likely turn to their parents for reassurance during this time. The Child Mind Institute suggests that children are more likely to worry if they are kept in the dark so parents may want to encourage children to talk to them about their concerns.
Remember that it is important to take care of your own mental wellbeing and if you are feeling anxious take time out to calm yourself before talking with your children. There are many resources available that provide practical advice on how to manage your own feelings of anxiety during coronavirus.
Head to Health has practical psychological tips for coping with the stress of COVID-19
Reach Out has ten ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus.
Beyond Blue has a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Health Wellbeing Support Service available here or on 1800 512 348.
The Child Mind Institute has many resources on how to talk to children about coronavirus.
Tips for talking with your child with autism about the coronavirus.
Supporting Kids During Coronavirus
Supporting teenagers and young adults during COVID-19
Parentline is available across each state and territory:
- Parentline Queensland and the Northern Territory contact 1300 30 1300 or here
- Parentline New South Wales contact 1300 1300 52 or here
- Parentline Victoria contact 13 22 89 or here
- Parentline Helpline South Australia contact 1300 364 100 or here
- Ngala Parenting Line WA contact 1800 111 546 or (08) 9368 9368 or here
- Parentline ACT contact (02) 6287 3833 or here
- Parentline Tasmania contact 1300 808 178
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 for 24/7 telephone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25 years old.
Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis telephone support.
If you or your children are feeling unsafe or experiencing domestic or family violence, you can access information, counselling and support through 1800RESPECT website or call 1800 737 732. 1800RESPECT are open 24 hours a day during COVID-19.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, please contact the Police in your State on 000.
It is natural for parents to be concerned about the safety of their children during coronavirus. At all times, parents or carers must act in the best interest of children including regarding their safety. Remember your co-parent is likely doing their best to manage parenting during this time of uncertainty.
The government is committed to ensuring those on the front line such as health care professionals receive the necessary training, advice and protective equipment to minimise their exposure to, and spread of, coronavirus.
If you have concerns, as a first step, and only if it is safe to do so, you should speak with the other parent to see if you can reach an understanding of the precautions you are both taking to protect the children. Perhaps a conversation with the other parent will provide reassurance that as parents and carers you take keeping the children safe a priority.
Latest COVID-19 information and updates from reputable sources such as the Australian Government and the Department of Health can be found here www.australia.gov.au and www.health.gov.au. The National Coronavirus Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.
If you are still concerned or you are finding it difficult to communicate with the other parent, the Family Relationships Advice Line can provide information, advice and telephone-based Family Dispute Resolution services to assist parents and carers to discuss any issues that arise. The Family Relationships Advice Line is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm on 1800 050 321 or visit the website.
If you or your children are feeling unsafe or experiencing domestic or family violence, you can access information, counselling and support through 1800RESPECT website or call 1800 737 732. 1800RESPECT are open 24 hours a day during COVID-19.
If you believe you are in immediate danger, please contact the Police in your State on 000.