youth mental health support still available online and over the phone during Victorian COVID-19 lockdown

headspace is reminding young Victorians concerned about the latest COVID-19 lockdown that mental health support remains available during this challenging time. 

The Victorian government today announced a seven-day lockdown in a bid to contain the latest outbreak of COVID-19, limiting the reasons people can leave home and the distances they can travel.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the announcement will be cause for concern among some young people.

“It is common for young people to experience a range of emotions in a situation like this: from fear and anxiety, to anger, sadness and denial,” Mr Trethowan said.

“You might feel overwhelmed by the wave of new information and the increased levels of stress in your community.

“But it’s important to remember that we’ve overcome this challenge before – and we will do it again.

“Many of our services remain unaffected by the lockdown and will continue supporting young people and their mental health over the next seven days.

Mr Trethowan encouraged young people and their families to connect with eheadspace, which offers free online and telephone support and counselling between 9am to 1am every day.

“When young people use eheadspace, they speak with highly qualified mental health professionals in a safe, secure environment,” he said. 

“We might be in lockdown but help is not out of reach.”

If you are a young person, a family member or friend who already visits a headspace centre for support, please contact your local centre to find out how they are continuing to operate during this time.