Thoroughbred trainers and stable employees bring an incredible amount of commitment and passion to the Victorian racing industry. However, at times the demands, challenges and pressures of work can impact an individual’s overall wellbeing, including mental health.

The information on this page is designed to provide a greater understanding of depression and anxiety, with information about resources to support both participants, their family and co-workers.
Depression

We all feel sad, moody or low sometimes, it’s a normal part of life. If these feelings come and stay for more than two weeks it might be a sign that you have depression.

Depression affects one in seven people in Australia. It's a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health. It’s important to know that it is treatable and it’s worth reaching out and talking to someone about it.

 For up to the date information please click here

Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. When anxious feelings don't go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life it may be the sign of an anxiety condition.

Anxiety conditions affect 1 in 4 people in Australia and they are treatable.

For up to the date information please click here

Support Services

Lifeline
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Lifeline provides crisis support and suicide prevention services nationwide and is accessible 24 hours, seven days per week.

Suicide Call Back
1300 659 467
www.suidecallbackservice.org.au
The Suicide Call Back Service provides free nation-wide professional phone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide.

beyondblue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
The beyondblue support phone line provides free support and assistance 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Men’s Line Australia
1300 78 99 78
https://mensline.org.au
Men’s line provides a free, private and confidential service dedicated to supporting men with family and relationship issues.

Gambling Help Online
1800 858 858 
https://mensline.org.au
Gambling Help Online provides free, confidential online support, self-help tools and information for identifying and dealing with problem gambling Australia-wide. 

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
https://kidshelp.com.au
Kids Helpline provides free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling service specifically for people from five to 25.

Headspace
1800 650 890
https://headspace.org.au
Headspace provides free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families.

Relationship Australia
https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. We aim to support all people in Australia to achieve positive and respectful relationships

Alcohol and Drug Foundation
https://adf.org.au
1800 250 015
Navigating your way through the maze of support services for family and friends of people who use alcohol and other drugs has finally got easier through the alcohol and drug foundation path2help.

Sexual Health Australia
0404 267 559
https://www.sexualhealthaustralia.com.au
Sexual Health Australia offers sex therapy, relationship counselling and marriage counselling to individuals and couples with sexual problems, intimacy issues, and relationship difficulties.

Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
The Better Health Channel (BHC) provides health and medical information that is quality assured, reliable, up-to-date, easy to understand, regularly reviewed and locally relevant. 

Health Direct Australia
www.healthdirect.gov.au
1800 022 222

Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing can look different to everyone. It's about finding a balance in all aspects of your life that works for you. It's about your whole person: physical, mental, social and emotional. Making small adjustments can help you learn what works for you and stay well.

See below some ideas to assist you.

 Physical  Mental  Nutrition  Social
 Get walking/moving  Talk to a friend  Eat more fruit and veggies  Catch up with friends
 Sit less and exercise  Seek counselling  Eat less processed foods  Spend time with family
 Walk the dog  Self help course  Reduce your alcohol intake  Go somewhere new
 Visit your doctor  Get physical  Smoke less or quit  Walk the dog

There are many free online assessment and treatment resources as well as downloadable phone applications available for Australian adults to assist those battling with anxiety or depression improve the overall quality of their lives.

See the below recommended self-help programs and applications to kick-start the journey to optimise your mind, body and spirit.

  • Smiling Mind is a unique web and App-based program developed by a team of psychologists with expertise in Mindfulness Meditation and web-based wellness programs. Smiling Mind is a free tool that will assist in improving the lives of Australians, and is available online or as a smartphone App.
  • My QuitBuddy helps you get, and stay, smoke-free. It's with you through the hardest times with helpful tips and distractions to overcome cravings; tracking systems to chart your progress and all the facts you need to understand the impact smoking has on your health.
  • The MindSpot Clinic is a free online assessment and treatment service for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
  • Mental Health Online is an initiative of the National eTherapy Centre based at Swinburne University of Technology. It provides online information, assessment, referral and treatment for mental health problems.

Kirra Fitzgerald
Participant Wellbeing Manager
400 Epsom Road, Flemington
0437 695 768
k.fitzgerald@racingvictoria.net.au

Racing Victoria does not provide an emergency or instant response service. If you are feeling suicidal or in a crisis please seek help immediately.

If you are in Australia please call:

  • Triple Zero (000) in an Emergency
  • Lifeline - 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467