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Looking after your mental health with Beyond Blue

March 30th, 2020Looking after your mental health with Beyond Blue

Try to maintain perspective.

Try to maintain perspective

While it is reasonable for people to be concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus, try to remember that medical, scientific and public health experts around the world are working hard to contain the virus, treat those affected and develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

Find a healthy balance in relation to media coverage

Being exposed to large volumes of negative information can heighten feelings of anxiety. While it’s important to stay informed, you may find it useful to limit your media intake if it is upsetting you or your family.

Access good quality information

It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources such as those listed below. This will also help you maintain perspective and feel more in control.

•      Australian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert

•      Health Direct – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

•      smartraveller.gov.au – travel information for Australian citizens

•      World Health Organization – coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Try to maintain a practical and calm approach

Widespread panic can complicate efforts to manage the outbreak effectively. Do your best to stay calm and follow official advice, particularly around observing good hygiene habits.

The Australian Psychological Society has advice about maintaining positive mental health during the outbreak.

Try not to make assumptions

To contribute to a sense of community wellbeing, try to remember that the coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of their nationality or ethnicity and remember that those with the disease have not done anything wrong.

Managing your mental health while in self-isolation or quarantine

There are a number of ways to support your mental health during periods of self-isolation or quarantine.

•      Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus.

•      Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting the virus.

•      Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.

•      Connect with others via the Beyond Blue forums thread: Coping during the coronavirus outbreak.

•      Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.

•      Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.

•      Try to maintain physical activity.

•      Establish routines as best possible and try to view this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits.

•      For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space.

•      Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing.

Seek support

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed by news of the outbreak. We encourage people who have experienced mental health issues in the past to:

•      activate your support network

•      acknowledge feelings of distress

•      seek professional support early if you’re having difficulties.

Beyond Blue has fact sheets about anxiety and offers other practical advice and resources at beyondblue.org.au.

The Beyond Blue Support Service offers short term counselling and referrals by phone and webchat on 1300 22 4636.

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