Particularly in our current circumstances of COVID-19, our mental health will inevitably be affected, and it is important that we can tune into how we are thinking and feeling, and if we need to reach out for support. More than ever it is so crucial that, if you are feeling low and needing a conversation, that you get in contact with friends, family, or any of the support services below which can provide a listening ear for when things are tough.

Monash Support Services

• Monash Health & Wellbeing Services – Your one stop shop for all things mental health! If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, this is the page for you, and can help you to navigate steps to receiving support at Monash.

• Monash Counselling Services – Book an appointment with a counsellor from any campus here (remember, all appointments are via telehealth). You are able to have up to six sessions.

• Monash Student Support – A portal for student support services, including financial, accomodation, safety/security, international, diversity, spirituality and legal services.

Emergency Help Services

• Beyond Blue. Online and phone counselling with trained mental health professionals for young people aged 12 to 25 years old 24/7.
  • Call 1300 224 636, or access support online
  • Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

• LifeLine. A crisis support service that provides short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe
  • Call 13 11 14, or access support online
  • Mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak

• Kids Helpline. A free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years
  • Call 1800 55 1800, or access support online
  • Are you worried about novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?

• Suicide Callback Service. A nationwide service that provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
  • Call 1300 659 467, or access support online
  • Looking after your mental health during Covid-19

• Headspace. Information and resources covering a wide range of issues and topics, including mental health challenges and ways to maintain a healthy headspace
  • Call 03 9027 0100, or use the online crisis support chat 7pm-12am
  • How to cope with stress related to COVID-19

• Reach Out. Practical tools and support to help young people aged 14–25 years get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
  • Call 02 8029 7777, or use the online chat service
  • 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus

• MyCompass. Helps deal with the pressures of study through an interactive self-help service for people experiencing stress, anxiety or depression
  • Use the free depression and anxiety screener
  • Coronavirus: resources for anxiety, stress and well-being

COVID-19 Specific Resources

• World Health Organisation (WHO). An international body with 194 member states which is responsible for coordinating a global response to disease outbreaks.

• This way up. Access free online tools and learn practical ways to protect your mental health, as well as supporting your friends and family, during COVID-19.

• Victorian Health and Human Services. Some important and helpful advice from Beyond Blue, clinical psychologist Dr Michelle Lim and Lifeline Australia.

• Head to Health. Resources from the Australian Government Department of Health regarding COVID-19 restrictions, statistics, resources and tips.

Specialised Support

• LGBTIQ+ Resources. Switchboard Victoria provides peer-driven support services for LGBTIQ+ people, their families, allies and communities.

• International Students. Check out resources by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment for international students affected by COVID-19.

• Women’s mental health. Tailored advice by the Victorian Department of Health designed to meet the particular needs of women and promote improved services for women. More resources are listed under the Women’s Department.

Financial Support

• Department of Social Services (DSS). Get in touch with emergency relief organisations which provide immediate financial and/or material support to people in financial crisis.

• OzHarvest, Foodbank Australia, Second Bite. Organisations that provide food and other essential items to people who cannot afford to survive in this crisis.

• Good Shepherd. A charity organisation which provides no interest loans (NILS) and financial information for anyone adversely impacted by COVID-19.

• Student Compassionate and Hardship Package. If you're experiencing financial hardship due to circumstances related to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a university grant.

Some resources to support your physical wellbeing

• Active bodies Online. Monash Sport is providing a variety of health and wellbeing tips, free live workouts every weekday and demonstrations to support active lifestyles.

• Fitness blender. Free full length workout videos, workout routines, healthy recipes, meal plans, fitness tips and other great resources for people wanting to keep fit.

• Health and Fitness Resources. Details about facilities, group fitness timetables, fitness programs and nutrition/wellness tips.