The stress of experiencing something such as a bushfire can leave people at a higher risk of developing depression or anxiety, even if they are not directly dealing with loss of property and/or possessions. If you live in the New England, North West or Mid-Coast regions and have been affected by the bushfires, you can access free mental health coaching via the  bushfire wellbeing coaching line.   CALL 1800 010 630between 8.30 am – 5.00 pm, Mon...

HNECC PHN CEO, Richard Nankervis, today signed the Life in Mind National Communications Charter on behalf of the organisation. The Charter is a resource and guiding document aiming to develop a unified approach to mental health and suicide prevention. Importantly it informs the way we talk about mental illness and suicide, and represents a formal commitment to working collaboratively to reduce the stigma surrounding them.

The Acting Chief Medical Officer and State and Territory Chief Health Officers have released a statement for the general public and health professionals about the use of masks by people exposed to bushfire smoke.  The statement includes information about: the best ways to protect yourself and your family from the health effects of bushfire smoke who is most at risk and may benefit from the use of a mask  the types of masks available  how t...

People living in rural and remote areas have limited access to mental health support services. The updated Rural and Remote Mental Health Help Sheet, from the National Rural Health Alliance, lists a range of services providing counselling and other support services to specific groups in the community.