Why it’s important to look after your mental health during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way we live. To help keep us safe, it is likely that our lives will be different for a while.
When we aren’t able to see our friends and family regularly, it can be harder to keep on top of how we’re feeling.
Being aware of how you’re feeling and knowing what you can do to look after your mental wellbeing is an important part of staying healthy during this challenging time.
This includes thinking about the ways you work. Read our fact sheet for more information about mental health and wellbeing support for employees.
Learn about staying mentally healthy at work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How we might be feeling and why when looking after your mental health
On top of the concern we’re all feeling about the health impacts of a virus like this one, COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down.
All of the things we’re used to doing each week — going to school and work, catching up with friends and family, going out for dinner, playing sport, going on holidays — have changed.
Many people have lost their jobs and there is uncertainty about how COVID-19 will affect jobs and the economy into the future.
And for people working in health care and essential services, work pressures have never been greater.
Under these circumstances, it’s normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, confused, sad or even bored. But these feelings can take their toll, and we all need to take the time to care for ourselves and to look out for our friends, family and colleagues.
What you can do for looking after your mental health.
There are things you can do to take care of your mental health and wellbeing.
Look after your physical health
Exercising and eating well help us stay physically and mentally healthy. Read more about how you can stay physically active while following physical distancing rules and find tips on eating well at home.
Getting a good night’s sleep is a really important part of staying healthy. If you’re finding it hard to get to sleep, these tips might help.
Stay connected
Maintaining social connections is important to feeling safe and well.
You can still keep in touch with family and friends while you practise physical distancing through:
- video chats
- phone calls
- online groups
- chats with neighbours while keeping 1.5 metres apart
Develop new routines
We’re used to having routines to guide our days and give us a sense of achievement. When so much seems out of our control, establishing some structure in our days will help to provide stability and a ‘new normal’.
This is particularly challenging for families adjusting to home learning. Try to create new routines as a family to help separate ‘work and school time’ and ‘family time’.
Think about the parts of your usual routine you value the most and find ways to make these part of your day — such as having lunch with colleagues via video chat, or finding an online gym class.
Take breaks
Be kind to yourself and take time just for you, even if it is just a few minutes to take some deep breaths and step outside into the fresh air.
Plan your breaks and use them to do something that makes you feel calm and happy.
Reach out to others
Some people are particularly vulnerable for different reasons. They may be older, live on their own, have a chronic medical condition, or live in a challenging home situation.
Reaching out to give people support, if you are able, can help your mental wellbeing and make a big difference to someone else’s life.
Seek support
It’s normal to have ups and downs, and it is important to talk about how you’re feeling with family and friends. In times like these, they are likely experiencing similar feelings.
If you want to talk to someone else, but aren’t sure where to start, there are lots of great online and phone chat support services available. Head to Health is a good place to begin, and Beyond Blue has launched a dedicated coronavirus online and phone support service.
But if you are feeling anxious or depressed for an extended period, see a health professional.
Doctors and other health care providers such as psychologists are consulting via video or phone. Find out more about telehealth options.
Reference:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/
Philippa Hunt is a Woman on a Mission.
WiseGirls Money Academy was created after working as a qualified Financial Adviser for many years and deciding it was time to assist women who desired to learn and develop the self-empowerment to understand their emotional relationship with money, the skills and knowledge to save and invest. They wanted to learn how to create their own financial future and become financially capable.
The WiseGirls Money Mission is to provide the opportunity and place for growth and development of women of all ages in personal and financial skills in a supported female environment so that they take control of their future to reach their own financial independence.
