A person’s mental health can deteriorate through combinations of factors. Family, work and money issues are probably the most common stressors, but external factors, such as worries about world conflicts or environmental issues can also overwhelm people. Reports of extreme weather or fires and the warnings and evacuation plans that come with them can add stress to vulnerable people, even when the risks are slight.

To help providers recognise the mental health needs of people with disability and their staff, NDS in Victoria has produced an online Mental Health Navigation Guide to statewide mental health services and resources. We encourage providers to share the link to the guide with your staff and colleagues and the people and families you support.

In the guide, you will find the resources and services in your area, both state and federally funded, with tips in navigating Victoria’s mental health system. It gives definitions of mental health conditions, from those that are common and less severe to those that are less common, severe or chronic. It shows how you can be more aware of the signs of deteriorating mental health in others and respond appropriately with sympathy.

For support workers, the guide shows how to prepare a person with disability for a specialist appointment, including what questions they should ask.

It also discusses the protocols of handling mental health issues in the workplace and the rights of the people you support or work with.

You will find our Victorian Mental Health Navigation Guide on the NDS website.