In just the last 5 years, the number of British nationals travelling overseas with mental health needs has increased by almost 50%. If you’re planning your trip to Australia and have a mental health condition – or you’re travelling with someone who has – make sure you go prepared.
With World Mental Health Day raising the issue of mental health worldwide last week, the FCO has partnered with the Mental Health Foundation to raise awareness and provide advice for your travel prep:
Check your insurance: Mental health usually falls within what insurers call ‘pre-existing conditions’, so make sure you’re covered for any help you might need, and talk to your insurer before you travel if your policy doesn’t quite cover it.
Enough medication? Your medication will have to last the length of your Australian adventure – and your adventure could last weeks or even months. Have you packed enough? If you aren’t packing medication to last you the whole trip, do you know where you’ll be able to get more while in Australia?
Remember that recommended medication can differ from country to country, so there’s no guarantee that something you can get on the NHS in the UK will be available in Australia. And if you’re travelling to remote places, availability could be even more of an issue. Do your research, and check before you travel.
Legal medication? Make sure the medication you’re on won’t be confiscated the moment you reach customs. Check ahead.
Health services? What mental health services are available in the areas you’re travelling to in Australia? Do your research, so you know you’ll always be near help should you need it.
Contacts? If you felt your mental health was deteriorating while you were travelling Australia, who would you be able to talk to about it? From fellow travellers to family in Australia and family back at home, make sure you have a plan for reaching the people who’ll need to know.
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Creative checklist ‘Mind How You Go’ that includes tips and advice
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