The invisible struggle of our generation — and how Medicare can help

Many older Australians will face challenging emotions over the Christmas period—but help may be closer to home than you expect.

It’s sadly all too common at this time of year for over-55s to feel lonely or isolated; to experience heightened stress or anxiety, or to have trouble connecting with hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed. It may be something harder to define, but which prevents you from feeling like yourself.

If you or a loved one are struggling, it’s reassuring to know that Medicare Mental Health Centres are open and offer free, confidential support to help manage these issues.

Free, confidential support is closer than you might think

Medicare Mental Health Centres offer an easy and accessible first step when you need support. With a friendly, welcoming approach, they offer immediate access to mental health services in a confidential, non-judgemental environment.

You don’t need an appointment or referral to visit these centres. You don’t even need a Medicare card to access services; help is available to everyone living in Australia, regardless of citizenship status.

As well as offering free, immediate, short and medium-term care, centres can also connect you with other services that can support you in the future, from health and mental health to social services such as employment and housing.

Click here to find your nearest Medicare Mental Health Centre, or watch the video below to learn more:

If you don’t have easy access to a Medicare Mental Health Centre, or if you would prefer to take the first step by phone, you can also call 1800 595 212 for information about the local support available to you.

Looking for additional support?

If you or a loved one are dealing with a diagnosed mental illness, additional support is available through the Better Access initiative.

This program allows you to claim support for sessions with a variety of mental health professionals, including:

• eligible general practitioners (GPs)
• prescribed medical practitioners
• psychiatrists
• psychologists (clinical and registered)
• social workers
• occupational therapists.

Each calendar year you can access up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health services ensuring comprehensive support.

For added convenience, telehealth appointments are available in certain areas, allowing you to access services from your home.

To learn more about the Better Access initiative and how it can help, click here.

Help is within reach

As more Medicare Mental Health Centres open across the country, support will be within easier reach for more Australians. This means that help is more accessible than ever, ensuring that wherever you are, you can find the support you need, when you need it.

Locate your nearest Medicare Mental Health Centre here, or phone 1800 595 212 to chat through the options available to you.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
This content is in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care.