Supporting Our Kids Through Lockdowns

Griffith and surrounding areas joined the rest of the State in lockdown this week. There was some panic buying in our local supermarkets the day the news broke, but since then we’ve been pretty quiet.

Not only were many of us not working or working from home, most of our children were once again home-schooling, something not all of them were necessarily unhappy about. However, it does beg the question, just how do we support our youngsters during these lockdowns, particularly with their mental health?

The government has funded a range of free or low-cost digital mental health services offering online and phone counselling, treatment and crisis support, including suicide prevention and peer support. Families and young people can access these services through the digital mental health gateway at www.headtohealth.gov.au.

A $278 million investment from the government went towards strengthening, enhancing and expanding the Headspace network. You can contact Headspace on 1800 551 800 or at www.headspace.org.au.

The Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service is available to anyone needing support throughout the pandemic any time via phone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.

Lifeline (13 11 149) and Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) are available to help anyone experiencing distress and requiring immediate support and advice. Kids can also contact Kids Helpline at https://kidshelpline.com.au/. Both services can also be accessed via the government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.

The Suicide Call Back Service is also available for anyone concerned about suicide, living with someone considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide. You can reach them on 1300 659 467 or at www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

Other helpful services include:

Butterfly Foundation (for eating disorder support) - 1800 334 673 or www.butterfly.org.au.

Beyond Blue - https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/covid-normal/family-life.html

Emerging Minds - https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/

Raising Children Network - https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide

• Topics:

• Covid-19
• Mental Health and Welbeing