COVID-19 Support

Information for People in COVID-19 Isolation

Your efforts in isolation are helping keep the community safe and are really important, but isolation can be hard. Below are some resources that can help you cope during your time in isolation.

In an emergency call 000 (Triple Zero).

If you need urgent mental health help, call the mental health line on 1800 011 511.

Stress and Anxiety

Beyond Blue has lots of resources for coping through the pandemic, including a COVID-19 mental wellbeing support service available 24/7 on 1800 512 348 as well as chat groups and lots more. Trained mental health professionals at this service can link you to other relevant services, such as those relating to financial aid, family violence support and official government COVID-19 information sources.

Beyond Blue also has a resources page specifically for those in isolation.

The Australian Government Head to Health online space is a place where you can find digital mental health services from trusted Australian mental health organisations. The website also has resources on coping with COVID and up to date information on the government’s response.

Having a Structured Day

Setting up a routine or schedule is an important part of making isolation or quarantine more manageable. This Australian Government guide can help you create a structured day, with meaningful activity and opportunity for social connection.

Social Connections

Social connections are very important during isolation. This article discusses options you might try to stay in contact with the important people in your life.

Be Connected is an Australia-wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. This site contains user friendly online training, links and entertainment for those who are unfamiliar or lack confidence in  using technology.

Communities

The Yarn Up Feel Deadly app is a great way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to look after their mental health and connect with Yimamulinbinkaan Aboriginal Mental Health Services.

The Transcultural Mental Health Centre has COVID-19 specific resources for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including videos  on coping with COVID in multiple languages.

ACON has COVID-19 specific resources for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Families, Relationships and Caring for Others

The measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 may bring extra stresses and pressures for parents, carers, families and those in relationships. Specialist support services are available to assist you.

• Family Relationships Online provides information for families, including links to the Family Relationships Advice Line (1800 050 321).
• The Department for Communities and Justice provides advice and links to support and services for parents, carers and those in relationships.
• Domestic abuse and family violence is never OK – you have a right to be safe.  The NSW Domestic Violence Support Line is always here for you. Call on 1800 656 463. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Interpreters and Text Telephone (TTY) are also available.
• 1800RESPECT offers an online chat service for support with domestic and family violence.
• MensLine Australia can be contacted on 1300 789 978 and offers support, information and referral service for men specialising in family and relationship concerns.
• Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line is available to provide information and support to older people across Australia, as well as their families and carers who may have been affected by COVID-19. You can call the Support Line on 1800 171 866 (free call) Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am-6pm.

Exercise and Being Active

You may not be able to do your normal exercise routine while in isolation. There are still some ways you can be active and exercise in your room.

Getting at least 30 minutes off exercise per day is recommended and it can be added up in 10 minute parts. If you’re used to some high intensity exercise, try finding a YouTube video of a workout, pretend to skip without a rope, try some squats or lunges. If you’re after some lower intensity exercise you might like to do some stretches, find a yoga video or walk in the space you have.

The Exercise Right website has some great videos to help you get started:

• Home workouts
• Exercises you can do with no equipment

Even small amounts of movement and exercise have benefits on stress, anxiety and depression.

Financial and Work Pressures

Financial support is available if you cannot earn an income because NSW Health has ordered you to self-isolate or quarantine, or you’re caring for someone with COVID-19.

Find out if you are eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment NSW

A range of help is available for people who have lost their job or cannot pay their rent, and for homeowners struggling with their mortgage repayments.

If you have lost your job or had your income reduced due to COVID-19 this can cause significant emotional distress. This article discussed ways to support wellbeing and access assistance.

News and Social Media

The amount of information about COVID-19 can become overwhelming. It can help to limit the amount of news you read each day to a few trusted sources. NSW Health COVID-19 information is updated frequently.

It’s also important to notice how social media is making you feel. We know it can make some people in isolation feel worse. If you notice this yourself, then you need to think about limiting how much social media you use.