How are you feeling at the moment?

Many parents are struggling to work from home while also caring for, and homeschooling, their children.

It’s a lot to deal with.

And while some people are experiencing high levels of anxiety around the COVID-19 outbreak, others are simply struggling to get through a barrage of work sheets and online tutorials with their kids. It’s tough having everyone at home. Everyone is competing for your attention and you’re still trying to run your own business. This can be overwhelming.
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Wherever you’re at, we’re here to support you. We’re in the same boat!
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We’re not mental health experts but we have rounded up ten of the best resources to help you get through these tricky times with your spirits intact.

Recommended Reading: The COVID-19 Plan You Need To Make Now

10 Mental Health Support Resources

1. Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation supported by the Federal Government and every State and Territory Government in Australia. These guys have really stepped up their game in response to COVID-19. They have developed a dedicated service that offers free counselling by mental health professionals for all people in Australia 24/7, both online and over the phone.

The new service also provides free and easily accessible information and advice around coping with COVID-19, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how best to support the mental health of loved ones. Find out more here or log into the online forums here  or call and speak to a mental health professional on this number 1800 512 348.

2. Head to Health

Head to Health will connect you to digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources. They have posted some COVID-19-specific psychological tips that you can read here.

Recommended Reading: How To Find Connection In Times of Social Distancing and Self Isolation

3. The Black Dog Institute

While The Black Dog Institute doesn’t offering direct support services in the form of counselling, they do offer access to peer reviewed research and tools to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression. They have put together a list of COVID-19-specific resources here.

4. Mindfully

Mindfully is a collaboration between ABC Audio Studios and Smiling Mind, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to make mindfulness meditations available to everyone. Listen for free from your mobile device on the ABC listen app, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

5. Headspace

Headspace is a mental health support service designed to assist 12 - 25 year olds. With over 100 dedicated Headspace centres around Australia, a Telehealth service, as well as online chat and a digital resources, Headspace could be a helpful port of call for teenagers experiencing anxiety. The dedicated COVID-19 program can be found here.

6. MensLine Australia

MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. They have developed dedicated COVID-19 resources - they can be found here.

Recommended Reading: How To Support Your Team In Times Of Crisis

7. LifeLine

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. LifeLine crisis supporters can provide compassionate support over the phone, via chat and text message. 

8.  Insight Timer

Insight Timer is an app that offers over 30,000 free meditations categorised by length, purpose (ie sleep, anxiety, for children, etc) and by teacher. If you sign up to the premium version, you can access 10-day courses on everything from reading tarot cards to overcoming your fertility fears. The app also features uplifting talks like this one called Facing Fear with Compassion by Elizabeth Gilbert.

9. Coronacast

Some people find information very soothing. Coronacast is a podcast that helps to answer your questions about coronavirus or COVID19. Dr Norman Swan breaks down the latest news and research to help you understand how the world is living through an epidemic. Listen for free on ABC listen app, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

10. Hurrah for Gin Facebook

Hurrah for Gin’s creator Katie Kirby is homeschooling her two kids while also trying to work from home as a graphic designer. The resulting comics that she has been posting on her Facebook page are both heart wrenchingly accurate and hilarious. For more Hurrah for Gin comics, head to her website.
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Recommended Reading: Working From Home With The Kids In Lock Down
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