Ongoing pain, fear of death or disability and financial problems after a heart event or diagnosis can sometimes lead to anxiety and/or depression. Some people may turn to unhealthy behaviours to manage these feelings such as smoking or drinking alcohol, and may forget to take their prescribed medicines. This can increase their risk of another heart event.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you see your doctor, the better.
Find someone to talk to in your healthcare team – usually your GP or another trusted healthcare professional.
When you see your GP, they’ll assess your mental health needs and whether you would benefit from a mental health treatment plan. Your GP might:
Keep in mind that your health information and treatment plan are confidential. Doctors can’t share your information unless you agree to it.
A mental health treatment plan is a personalised treatment plan created between yourself and your GP to address your mental health needs. Anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition can access a mental health treatment plan.
The plan outlines your treatment options (such as psychological therapy and/or medicines), support services available, and the goals of your treatment.
A mental health treatment plan lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental healthcare professional each calendar year. Depending on your needs, they may refer you to a:
To get a mental health treatment plan, book an appointment with your GP. Make sure to mention the main reason for the consult when you book. That way, your GP will know the reason for the appointment in advance and can set aside enough time.
At the appointment, be open as possible and talk to them about your thoughts and feelings.
If you live in a rural or remote area, it might be hard to see a mental healthcare professional in person. You may be able to have a telehealth consult instead, which you can claim on your mental health treatment plan.
Accessing a mental healthcare professional via telehealth has many benefits. It provides access to a wide range of healthcare professionals across the country so you can choose someone your are comfortable speaking with. It also allows your sessions to take place in the privacy of your own home.
Search the find a health service tool on the Healthdirect website for mental health telehealth services.
Reach out to any of the below services for mental health information and support.
Check in with your general practitioner (GP) and healthcare team to seek help in managing your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Call Lifeline (13 11 14) for confidential crisis support via phone, text, or online chat.
Call 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support.
To access the Cardiac Counselling Clinic of the Australian Centre for Heart Health, phone 03 9326 8544 or register yourself at australianhearthealth.org.au.
Call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for confidential mental health advice and support. (Please note that Head to Health is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, call Lifeline or Triple Zero [000]). Visit the Head to Health website for mental health information, services and support. No appointment or GP referral is required.
Access online resources focusing on social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on WellMob.
Get mental health support from Beyond Blue by talking or chatting online to a counsellor or by accessing free sessions with a mental health coach. You can also call them on 1300 22 4636 for more information about mental health, treatment and management or to find a mental health practitioner in your area.
Other rural mental health services are listed in this help sheet from the National Rural Health Alliance.
Last updated14 June 2024