In the demanding world of healthcare, where compassion meets chaos, the mental health of nurses often takes a backseat. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, tirelessly providing support to patients and families, yet they frequently overlook their own emotional well-being. As the pressures of the job mount—long shifts, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional toll of patient care—it’s vital to shine a light on the importance of mental health support for nurses.
Although mental health awareness is increasing in Australia, it can still be challenging to identify the right resources, even for those working in healthcare. Fortunately, there’s a wider range of mental health services available than ever before, provided by various professionals for professionals.
Where to get support?
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- NSW Health Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential counselling, coaching, and well-being support to all NSW Health employees and their immediate family members. EAP can help with personal, family, or work-related issues that are affecting your health or quality of life. - Queensland Health Employee Assistance Program
All employees can access the Employee Assistance Service for free, private counselling. This service is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. - Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria
Each year the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) supports many nurses, midwives and students with their presenting mental health concerns. The NMHPV provides sensitive and compassionate screening, assessment, referrals, individual support sessions and groups for those seeking help to manage these health concerns. - WACHS Employee Assistance Program
WA Country Health Service EAP is a free, confidential program that offers counselling services (Employee/Employer Initiated), mediation services and critical incident response and debriefing, which support employees during difficult times and immediately following a traumatic episode. - South Australian Health Employee Assistance Program
This EAP is a free, confidential counselling program that is available to all SA Health employees, their immediate family members, and volunteers. You can use this service to discuss personal or work-related issues that might impact your well-being, work performance, or safety. - Tasmanian Health Employee Assistance Program
TTAS Health’s EAP offers free, confidential counselling to you and your immediate family. You can contact the providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. - Northern Territory Health Employee Assistance Program
NT Health’s EAP provides all employees and immediate family members with professional and confidential counselling services free of charge. Offering an employee assistance program is crucial to achieving NT Health’s objective of providing staff with a satisfying, safe and healthy work environment.
Nurse & Midwife Support
This service offers free 24/7 online and phone health assistance to individuals nationwide. Trained counsellors are available to discuss health-related concerns, provide confidential advice, and refer you to appropriate professionals. You can also access resources like podcasts, articles, and personal stories from other healthcare workers to support your well-being, share experiences, and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence.
Contact: Nurse & Midwife Support website, 1800 667 877
TEN: The Essential Network for Health Professionals
TEN is an online mental health platform created by healthcare professionals specifically for their peers. It offers confidential and accessible support, including self-assessment tools, free clinical sessions with mental health experts, evidence-based resources, peer support, and digital programs like the Navigating Burnout program.
Contact: TEN website, 02 9382 4530
Before Blue
Before Blue is Beyond Blue’s early intervention mental health program that is tailored for employees of participating organisations. This initiative equips you with the tools and support necessary to manage stress, foster resilience, and improve your overall mental well-being.
Contact: Before Blue, 1300 22 4636
General Mental Health Support:
| Website | About | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Mental Health Line | The Mental Health Line is a free 24/7 statewide phone service provided by NSW Health, connecting individuals to mental health services across New South Wales. | 1800 011 511 |
| Head to Health | Head to Health is a free and confidential service provided by the Australian Government. The service simplifies the process of navigating and selecting the most appropriate care options, whether in-person, over the phone, or online. | 1800 595 212 |
| ReachOut | ReachOut is tailored specifically for young people, providing a 100% online, anonymous, and confidential platform that allows them to connect on their own terms. It offers one-on-one peer support, moderated online communities, and a wealth of tips, stories, and resources. | 02 8029 7777 info@reachout.com |
| Lifeline | Lifeline is a national charity that offers 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services to all Australians facing emotional distress. | 13 11 14 |
| PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) | PANDA promotes the mental well-being of parents and families during pregnancy and throughout the first year of parenthood. | 1300 726 306 |
| MensLine Australia | This service offers free phone and online counselling, providing support for men across Australia at anytime. | 1300 789 978 |
| Men’s Referral Service | The Men’s Referral Service is a nationwide counselling, information, and referral service for men seeking to change their behaviour. It provides support, information, and guidance to men involved in family violence to help them make positive changes. | 1300 766 491 |
| SANE Australia | SANE Australia supports individuals dealing with recurring, persistent, or complex mental health challenges and trauma, as well as their families, friends, and communities. | 1800 187 263 getsupport@sane.org |
| Suicide Call Back Service | The Suicide Call Back Service is a free, nationwide resource offering 24/7 phone and online counseling for individuals impacted by suicide. | 1300 659 467 |
| Blue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service | This program provides support to adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, along with their parents, partners, family, friends, and the professionals assisting them. The service is available 7 days a week, including public holidays, from 9am to 5pm. | 1300 657 380 helpline@blueknot.org.au |
| 1800RESPECT | 1800RESPECT is a 24/7 national counseling line for Australians who have experienced or are at risk of family and domestic violence or sexual assault. | 1800 737 732 |
| National Debt Helpline | This helpline is a nonprofit service dedicated to helping people address debt issues. Its professional financial counselors provide free, independent, and confidential support. | 1800 007 007 |
| 13YARN (Thirteen YARN) | 13YARN is Australia’s first national crisis line for Indigenous people feeling overwhelmed or having problems coping. It provides confidential, one-on-one support with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, available 24/7. | 13 92 76 |
| Self-Care Matters | This program is a resource from Palliative Care Australia designed to support palliative care workers by preventing burnout and fostering resilience. | 02 6232 0700 |
| Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) | ARCVic is a state-wide specialist mental health organisation that offers support, recovery, and educational services to individuals and families affected by anxiety disorders. | 1300 269 438 / 03 9830 0533 / 03 9830 0566 |
| Butterfly Foundation | The Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for Australians affected by eating disorders and body image issues, as for families and friends who support them. They offer evidence-based support services, treatment, resources, and advocate for community needs while providing prevention and early intervention programs. | 1800 33 4673 |
| Gambling Help Online | Gambling Help Online provides services for gambling harm, allowing Australians to access counselling and information when they cannot or prefer not to use in-person services. | 1800 858 858 |
| Listening Ear | This organisation provides a listening ear to anyone in the community who is feeling troubled, lonely, or needs someone to talk to. Their helpline operates 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. | 02 9477 6777 |
| QLife | QLife offers anonymous peer support and referrals across Australia for LGBTQ individuals seeking to discuss various topics, including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, emotions, and relationships. | 1800 184 527 |
sources:
Mental Health Australia
Nurses and Midwives Health
NSW Health
White Ribbon Australia
