Personal wellbeing
In an emergency call 000 for assistance.
An Emergency Animal Disease outbreak may impact people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
Stressful events can cause feelings of worry and unease, especially where there are levels of uncertainty involved, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself.
In tough times we need to remember to look after ourselves. As much as possible, maintaining routines with good diet, exercise, and sleep will increase your capacity to deal with stress.
This is the time to stay connected with family and friends and seek support when you need it.
There are a number of support services available to assist you and your family with the emotional or physical reactions you may be experiencing.
Who you can contact
If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact:
- your doctor, local community health centre
- a counsellor or psychologist
- Parentline 13 22 89 or the Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- Nurse-On-Call 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Australian Psychological Society Referral Service 1800 333 497
For information about trauma and things you can do to cope with and recover from traumatic events, visit the Better Health Channel:
Other things you can try
- Find someone to talk to; discuss your experience and feelings.
- Visit and chat to other farmers.
- Focus on doing straightforward tasks.
- Try to stick to family routines, stop for meals, take regular breaks.
- Talk to your partner and children, they will also need support.
Looking after yourself
If you have urgent concerns about the mental health of others or yourself there are services available.
Mental Health Services
Ph: 1800 808 284 (available 24 hours)
Nurse-on-Call
Ph: 1300 606 024
If you are experiencing family violence
Contact Orange Door or 1800 RESPECT for assistance.
In an emergency call 000 for assistance.
Other resources
A 24-hour counselling service delivered by qualified experienced professionals.
Ph: 1800 737 732
Confidential telephone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Ph: 1800 551 800
Providing families with access to information about family relationship issues.
Ph: 1800 050 321
Counselling and information for families with children up to 18 years. Open 8am to midnight, seven days.
Ph: 132 289
The Suicide call back service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
Call them on 1300 659 467
Provides free, independent financial assessment for farming families and small rural businesses, including for people from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Find a Rural Financial Counselling Service in your area:
Rural Aid offers free, confidential counselling to Rural Aid registered farmers and their family.
To register visit the Rural Aid website
Ph: 1300 327 624
Email: contact@ruralaid.org.au
Coordinates industry and government liaison during the recovery phase of a disaster event.
Ph: 1300 444 557
Victorian Department of Health have a collection of translated resources about health and wellbeing.