I woke up with a sore throat. A few hours later I had a cough.
It was most likely nothing, allergies probably — but was it?
I had already been recently tested for COVID-19 after being exposed to a diagnosed case. It was a tense three-day wait for the text message to come from the hospital.
“Your COVID-19 test result is negative”.
But even with the relief that followed, every subsequent cough was now potentially full of coronavirus-laden droplets.
I work from home, but my husband has to leave our apartment each day and go into the city to work. Had he made a mis-step in his incredibly strict daily routine and welcomed the virus into our home? Had it been a mistake to walk the dogs in the park? Should I not have gone to the pharmacy to fill my prescription?
I don’t have clinically diagnosed anxiety – but I have moments of anxiousness. And they have certainly been more prevalent of late.
Those with existing mental health conditions are particularly at risk of exacerbations of mental health conditions during this pandemic.
And with many now facing the prospect of unemployment or financial insecurity, the mental health impacts of COVID-19 are likely to be even more widespread, with many Australian’s currently finding themselves in a particularly vulnerable position.
Tips for taking care of our mental health
Beyond Blue has put together tips to help people take care of their mental health during COVID-19.
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.
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.
Maintain perspective: While it is reasonable for people to be concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.
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.
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.
Stay connected and seek support: We need to keep our distance, but that doesn’t mean that we need to be disconnected. It is important for us to keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues and professional support services by phone, video call, social media or email.
Try to stick to a routine: While it might not look exactly the same as our regular routine (and that’s OK!) it is helpful to try and have some sort of structure to our days. Try to keep regular sleep routines and engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Try to eat healthy foods and maintain some physical activity. 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.
Children and young people
Families and caregivers of children and young people should discuss the COVID-19 virus in an open and honest way.
Try to relate the facts without causing alarm, and in a way that is appropriate for their age and temperament.
It is important to answer any questions they may have, try to avoid providing any additional information that they are not seeking, and to always have the goal of letting them know that they are safe and that it’s normal to feel concerned.
A podcast on COVID-19 has been developed just for primary school aged children and might be a useful resource for some families.
A new dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service
Beyond Blue is currently developing a dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service. This is in response to the growing demand for mental health support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service will offer free counselling by mental health professionals for all people in Australia 24/7, both online and over the phone. It will also provide free and easily accessible information and advice around coping with COVID-19, isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship, and how best to support the mental health of loved ones.
The service will be continually updated with new information, and enhanced with other tools and supports, over the coming weeks and months.
For now, you get online support through Beyond Blue here.
