Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic
In recent weeks the global response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has escalated, making many people feel anxious and stressed. The Mental Health Association of Central Australia offers the following tips to help reduce anxiety during this time: Source information from credible sources Get information from official sources to avoid misinformation. For NT updates
New MHACA resources encourage help seeking
The Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) has developed new printed resources to encourage people to seek help early for mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. 1 in 5 Australians are experiencing mental ill health each year and recent figures (2017-2018 Australian Bureau Statistics) show that 1 in 8 Australians are currently experiencing high
Supporting Communities in Responding to Suicide Being Used as a Threat
A resource tackling the issue of people using suicide as a threat has been redeveloped to assist Northern Territory community members and service providers to respond to this difficult issue. ‘’The Little Red Threat Book’’, originally published in 2007, has been revised and further developed by the Central Australian Life Promotion Network (LPN) with input
Productivity Commission Draft Report Into Mental Health
Public comment closed this week to the Australian Productivity Commission Draft Report Into Mental Health. MHACA was broadly supportive of the draft report, however highlighted some key concerns in our submission: The draft report does not consider in depth the very key role of the community managed mental health support sector in assisting people with mental health
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health Draft Report Release
The Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health Draft Report was released 31st October. The Productivity Commission estimated that mental illness costs Australia $180 billion annually. It noted that the rate of mental health presentations at emergency departments has risen by about 70 per cent over the past 15 years. The draft report has “documented long-standing
Suicide Story Evaluation – Strong Evidence of Impact
Suicide Story is a program that was developed by the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) in conjunction with Aboriginal people from the Central Australian and Barkly regions, following a spate of suicides in those areas in the early 2000’s. MHACA has been delivering this community capacity building approach to remote communities across the
NDIS Transition Leaving People With Severe Mental Illness Behind
A report recently released by Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) highlights some of the difficulties and barriers which are being experienced by people with a psychosocial disability in applying for the NDIS. MHACA is one of two organisations in the Northern Territory that have contributed data to the research being conducted by CMHA in conjunction
Mental Health Worker of the Year
MHACA has been busy celebrating 2018 Mental Health Week. A highlight this year was recognition of the wonderful contribution Kath Broadbent has made to the mental health sector over many years. She was awarded Mental Health Worker of the Year by the Hon. Vicki OHalloran, Administrator of the Northern Territory at Government House on the
Join us for World Suicide Prevention Day
Come and visit us at the Town Council Lawns on the 12th of September for World Suicide Prevention Day. Help us promote this important event by downloading the flyer.
Day to Day Living December/January 2017/2018 Calendar
Calendar December 2017-January 2018
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Keeping Connected and Mentally Healthy - an update from MHACA about our programs and tips for good mental health - mailchi.mp/951d132a6275/keeping-connected-and-mentally-healthy
Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, urges people to prioritise their mental health and create communities of caring during these difficult times.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSC5-29DQn8&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2wKMirMUrpVoZQGHvRdKWWc6z1YktYJtDaXd...
Thankyou to the team at Centralian Advocate for sharing MHACA's anxiety reduction tips to help people navigate this challenging time.
#mentalhealth
www.ntnews.com.au/news/centralian-advocate/tips-to-help-you-manage-anxiety-in-uncertain-times/new...
Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic
www.ntnews.com.au
In recent weeks, the global response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has escalated, making many people feel anxious and stressed.
In recent weeks the global response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has escalated, making many people feel anxious and stressed. Whilst there is currently only one confirmed case of coronavirus in the Northern Territory, strict measures are being put into place to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect vulnerable community members. On top of Government protective measures the fear of not knowing what is going to happen can often increase feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
The Mental Health Association of Central Australia offers the following tips to help reduce anxiety and stress during this time:
1. Source information from credible sources
Get information from official sources to avoid misinformation. It is important to stick to the facts. For Northern Territory updates go to securent.nt.gov.au/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19-updates. There is now a dedicated COVID-19 hotline number for the NT. Call 1800 008 002 with any concerns. Other good information sources include the Australian Government Department of Health www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert and the World Health Organisation www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. Find the latest travel advice at www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
2. Manage time on online and listening to news
Whilst it is important to stay informed, constant negative information is bad for our mental health and it is easy to get drawn into opinions and misinformation. Set yourself a time limit each day to check in, and make sure you balance time online with fun or relaxing activities as well.
3. Follow advice on safety and hygiene measures
Following advice to increase your safety is a practical way to manage anxiety. People are being encouraged to reduce non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings. If you feel unwell then stay home and only seek a coronavirus test if you fit the criteria. Things like increasing social distance through stopping handshaking and following official handwashing tips all reduce your risk.
4. Have conversations with children and family members
Sharing information in an appropriate way helps children manage their own anxiety. Honest conversations help dispel any misinformation or coronavirus myths they may have heard. Having regular family conversations that discuss any updates and explain safety measures are important.
5. Take care of the health basics
In times of uncertainty and stress, looking after ourselves is more important than ever. Eating healthy food, exercising, having a good night’s sleep and reducing alcohol, caffeine, smoking and other drugs all help to manage anxiety.
6. Utilise relaxation techniques
If you are feeling anxious or stressed, take a moment to consciously relax. There are many things you can try including deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, walking the dog, reading a book, having a cup of tea, listening to some favourite music or reading a magazine or book. Often shifting your focus can make a big difference.
7. Be a good neighbour
Helping others is a good way to make us feel better. Are there any people around you who might be struggling that you could check in with? Supporting the elderly and the vulnerable people in our community is really important at this time.
8. Seek support from online and phone services
If you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed it’s important to reach out. Call the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or go online at beyondblue.org.au/getsupport for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) and email (responses within 24 hours). Beyond Blue have also developed a ‘Coping with the coronavirus’ thread in their online forums at bb.org.au/33cNdQU. Find tips to reduce anxiety at www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak? For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or try the Lifeline text service (evenings) 0477 13 11 14. In an emergency, always call 000.
#mentalhealth #coronavirus
Due to restrictions on travel as a response to helping stop the spread of the Corona Virus, the 'Stigma and Mental Health' event planned for this Wednesday has been cancelled.
If you have severe or complex mental health conditions the Our Turn to Speak survey is open until the 31 March 2020 - it would be great to have more community voices from the NT represented. Have your say at nationalstigmareportcard.com.au/
#endthestigma #mentalhealth
Whilst Corona Virus is limited here in the Northern Territory at the moment, it is important we all do what we can, particularly to protect our most vulnerable community members.
Keep up to date on the latest information for the NT at securent.nt.gov.au/alerts/coronavirus-covid-19-updates and remember to practice good hygiene
MHACA is seeking a Tenancy Support Worker.
MHACA is a specialist psychosocial recovery and mental health promotion organisation with a strong presence and reputation in the community.
In keeping with MHACA’s vision, the Tenancy Support Program is responsible for the delivery of client-centred case management for individuals and families, with a focus on achieving sustainable tenancies. This service is specifically tailored to those living with significant mental health issues, who are eligible for public housing in terms of income but are not eligible for other available tenancy support services to help sustain their tenancy or gain new accommodation.
Amongst other accountabilities, the Tenancy Support Program:
Develops holistic and client centred case management plans for each client,
Assists clients to understand their obligations under the Residential Tenancy Act,
Provides education about the Public Housing Safety Officers where applicable; and
Collaborates with NT Housing and other relevant agencies
For a full job description please go to mhaca.org.au/tenancy-support-worker/
