South Australia’s rapidly changing COVID-19 restrictions could be having a negative impact on your mental health. Here are some service providers who can help you to keep mentally well.

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19 ADELAIDE

The last week has been a lot.

The non-stop, rapid-fire news announcements of changing COVID-19 restrictions and health announcements have left this CityMag reporter exhausted and anxious.

Although the ways you interact with people may have been altered due to social distancing, “we can still look out for each other,” a spokesperson for the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia tells CityMag.

“If you are worried about someone, you can still keep in touch… Also, don’t underestimate the importance of eating and sleeping well.”

We asked the Mental Health Coalition of SA for available services within South Australia, for anyone not feeling their best. Here’s a checklist of behaviours to be on the lookout for, and below is a list of services and apps that can help.

UNITING COMMUNITIES’ COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT LINE

This specific COVID-19 support service has been set up by not-for-profit organisation Uniting Communities and is available every day from 8am-8pm.

Dial 1800 632 753, or text via the website, and trained professionals will offer counselling services, and can even arrange referrals to other services. As an added bonus, they can call back at a time that suits you.

Click here for more info.

LIVED EXPERIENCE TELEPHONE SUPPORT SERVICE

Sometimes there’s nothing better than talking to someone else who knows exactly what you’re going through.

Luckily, trained professionals with lived experience of mental illness are at the other end of the LETSS support line and can help if you’re having issues navigating a complex web of health services, or if you just want to have a chat.

Their support is available every day of the year and operates from 5:30pm-11:30pm.

Click here for more info.

SAHMRI’S BE WELL PLAN

The South Australian Health and Medical Institue’s Wellbeing and Resilience Centre designed the Be Well Plan for people to manage the ups and downs of life generally. When the COVID-19 threat threw Australia into a crushing lockdown in March, they made the decision to release it early.

The plan can be accessed for as little as $1 and consists of five online sessions (spanning 10 hours) aiming to give users tailored solutions to strengthen their mental health.

Sign up here.

MINDSHARE ONLINE PORTAL

Mindshare is an online platform supported by the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia that promotes writing, visual arts and audio projects by South Australians with lived experience of mental illness. It’s essentially a virtual art gallery attempting to connect people from isolated but creative communities.

Producing something and sharing it online could be the salve to soothe your COVID-19 calamity. Head here to find out how to participate.

DON’T BECOME THAT MAN COUNSELLING AND CRISIS ACCOMMODATION

For those feeling slightly agitated by this news cycle, the best thing to do is not lash out on your loved ones. Talk to someone instead, or take a short trip away.

Don’t Become That Man is a service designed to help those who believe their behaviours could lead to domestic violence.

This State and Federal Government-funded program offers over-the-phone, confidential counselling services and emergency crisis beds for men. The aim is to ensure tetchy behaviours don’t lead to regretful, violent outcomes.

Contact the program’s confidential helpline on 1300 24 34 13. Crisis accommodation can be provided when asked for.

Find more information here.

Visit SA Health for more information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our sister publication InDaily for news updates.