Who to talk to when you or someone you know needs help
Stressful events such as COVID-19 can cause feelings of worry and unease especially when there are high levels of uncertainty involved.
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It is completely normal to have feelings such as these however it is also important to learn to manage our stress before it leads to greater anxiety and fear.
Increased anxiety can also impact our immune system which we need to keep strong at this time1.
So how can we manage our stress?
Following are some tips which might help:
- Practise mindfulness for self and others
- Seek out of all available help - financial institutes want to work with you, give them call and talk to them.
- Stick to trusted sources of information (WHO and NSW Health)
- Take care of physical health through diet, exercise, sleep, routine and avoiding alcohol and other drugs.
- Maintain social connections by making phone calls, using face time or writing a letter.
- Limit time engaging with media and social media
- Monitor your thinking, concentrate on positives and things you can control.
- Who to talk to when you or someone you know needs help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic, or are having difficulty managing self-isolation or quarantine, Lifeline is available for mental health support.
- Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours / 7 days)
- Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm - midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
- Chat online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm - midnight, 7 nights)
Other telephone support services
- NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 224 636
- MensLine 1300 78 99 78
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) - contact me, your local RAMHP Coordinator, on 0427460430 or email dianne.gill@health.nsw.gov.au. I am not a clinician but I can help link you to services in our area.
Or head to the RAMHP website for information and helpful resources at www.ramhp.com.au
1. McLeod, S.A (2010. Stress, illness and the immune system.
Simply psychology: https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html
Keep loved ones that need to be far due to COVID-19 close to you by connecting with them virtually or by phone.
