Recent blog posts
Coronavirus - help for stress and anxiety
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If you are feeling stressed or anxious in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, you are not alone. It is hard to get away from the constant media, ever-changing government updates and restrictions on our way of life. Reduced social contact, temporary closure of community hubs, worries about our jobs and our children's schooling are just some of the concerns that can affect our mental health.
Beyond Blue has some practical advice here including a link to a forum where people are sharing how they are coping during this difficult time. In addition, the Black Dog Institute has a very useful page here with links to resources to help you look after your mental health. It includes guided meditations, relaxation techniques, and fact sheets including how to support and reassure young people. You can also phone the following services* if you need to speak to someone: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. www.lifeline.org.au Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. www.kidshelpline.com.au Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mental health information and support for all Victorians www.beyondblue.org.au Eheadspace 1800 650 893 Online and telephone support and counselling for 12 - 25 year olds, their families and friends. *list from Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria |
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
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Coronavirus quick facts
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Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause the common cold, and more seriously illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is a new strain in humans, initially passed to humans by exposure to animals at the live animal market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, On 20 January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed the novel coronavirus was spreading person-to-person. The first case in Australia was confirmed on 23 January 2020, Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. You can find more, including how to reduce your risk of exposure, who should get tested and what to do you if you feel unwell on The Department of Health website, the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services website or you can phone the 24/7 Coronavirus Health Information Line. For advice on how to self-quarantine check out this useful booklet here. For up-to-date travel advice, you can go here. A list of all screening clinics at Victorian hospitals such as The Alfred Hospital and Monash Health screening clinics can be found here. Please note they are only testing the following groups, with a few exceptions (as are GPs):
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Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
For daily Covid-19 updates, click here**Links to Department of Health website in new window
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Bushfires
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NSW Health have produced a detailed webpage here with information covering smoke inhalation, asthma, self-protection measures such as masks and medication.
In addition to services listed on the NSW Health website, the Department of Health has advised that 10 free psychological therapy sessions are available for those affected. No GP Mental Health Care Plan or mental health diagnosis is needed. You can read more about this here. |
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For more health information and tips, come and check out my blog page where we look at who can give blood and what happens to donations, insider secrets on getting the best out of your GP, online mental health support and more.
And finally, if you need a health writer who happens to have medical qualifications, please contact me today via my health writer service page. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you.
Feel free to email me for non-medical matters using the Contact Form
And finally, if you need a health writer who happens to have medical qualifications, please contact me today via my health writer service page. I'm looking forward to collaborating with you.
Feel free to email me for non-medical matters using the Contact Form
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for individual consultation with a qualified physician.
All content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for individual consultation with a qualified physician.
