For more information on looking after your mental health during this time you may like to check out the following information:
Mental Health Helplines
If you are in an emergency, in danger or you or someone close to you has seriously harmed themselves, call triple zero (000) for emergency services.
If you are not in an emergency situation, but you need immediate help, call one of the following helplines that offer crisis support and counselling over the phone:
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
https://www.lifeline.org.au/
- Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide and healthcare professionals treating suicidal people.
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
- Suicide Line – call 1300 651 251 for free and anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/suicideline-service
Other helplines that you might find useful include:
- Head to Health - call 1800 595 212 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday (except public holidays). A trained professional will take your call, give you advice, and if you need it connect you to the best support or service for you.
https://headtohealthvic.org.au/
- Yarning Safe'n'Strong - call 1800 959 563, available anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Yarning Safe'n'Strong is a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
https://www.vahs.org.au/yarning-safe-n-strong-media/
- Rainbow Door - free support for LGBTIQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) people and their family and friends. Contact them 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week by calling 1800 729 367, texting 0480 017 246, or emailing support@rainbowdoor.org.au
- SANE Australia Helpline - call 1800 187 263 for information about mental illness, treatments and support for you and your carer.
https://www.sane.org/get-support
- Mensline Australia - call 1300 789 978 for telephone support, information and referrals for men dealing with relationship issues.
- Beyond Blue - call 1300 224 636 for telephone support, information and resources for people dealing with depression or anxiety.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Emerging Minds (Infant and Child mental health) - Emerging Minds Families provides a range of resources for parents, carers and families looking for information and support about infant and child mental health.
https://emergingminds.com.au/
You may be worried about the potential mental impact on your child or children following the recent flood event. Emerging Minds shares information on how to support yourself and your family during this time.
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/in-focus-supporting-your-child-after-a-flood/
- Red Cross – Coping after a crisis
A flood event can create stress that lasts for a long time. Red Cross shares some information on the things you can do to look after yourself and others.
https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis/maintaining-wellbeing-in-the-face-of-long-term-stress/
- Rural Financial Counselling Service
Free financial counselling to farmers and small businesses who are in or at risk of financial hardship. https://wswrcs.com.au/