News

Mental health issues such as eating disorders, depression and anxiety have had a pronounced spike in young people during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Our Mental and Addiction Health Triage Team have seen a thirty percent increase in demand for their service since the COVID-19 pandemic started. To help support the growing number of people in the community who are reaching out for mental health support, the Triage + response was established.

Update: We'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who reached out, donated and supported our Psychiatry WardRobe project. We've received overwhelming support from our community and staff have been busy sorting clothing donations which will well and truly see us through the coming months. For now, we are unable to accept any further donations - but as the WardRobe is a permanent feature in our unit, we will post an update as soon as we have capacity to accept more donations of your pre-loved clothing.

Victoria’s COVID-19 lockdown measures have taken their toll on everyone, but it’s women who are struggling most.

Our Mental and Addiction Health team have created a Psychological First Aid (PFA) course to equip our staff with the skills to help someone in distress.

Kieran Kennedy, Psychiatry Registrar and mental health advocate at The Alfred, speaks openly about why we should be talking more about men’s mental health.

While Victorians were locked down under stage 3 restrictions, alcohol sales increased thirty-four per cent compared to the same time last year. Addictions psychiatrist Pat Tolan has shed some light on why the COVID-19 restrictions are causing some people to drink more - and what implications that might have post-COVID. Dr Tolan gives an insight into why he thinks increased alcohol intake is a problem and offers some suggestions of what we can do instead of drinking.

With so much change and uncertainty in the current environment, many people are struggling with their mental health and suffering increased anxiety. Alfred Senior Psychologist Luke said this was very common, and has offered some tips to help people cope during difficult times. 

In 2015, Lucy was navigating her way through a psychotic episode. It was a gradual and unconscious slip into a temporary new reality. The challenges Lucy faced helped her forge the path to become a strong advocate for recovery.

Every day our Alfred dads play a vital role in the lives of our patients. But this Father's Day we're recognising the important role that they play at home with their kids. Michael has recently returned from paternity leave were he was full time carer for his now 16-month old daughter, Mia. He's shared what it's like becoming a new dad.