During this time of isolation and uncertainty across many aspects of our lives, our mental health and how we tackle certain things is more of a priority now than ever before. Finding ways to deal with feelings of anxiety and even some form of depression is vital to get through the next period of this pandemic.
It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed by the constant news and overwhelming amount of information about the situation. Hence why we are only communicating the most accurate information available from reputable and professional resources available.
Head to Health is committed to providing Australians with trusted information and digital supports to help support everyone’s mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic. This page covers where to get the facts about the COVID-19 outbreak, tips for maintaining good mental health, information on how to access mental health services, information for parents, and how to keep older Australians safe and connected by helping them get established online.
What Can you do to stay healthy mentally?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital, trying to do things such as setting up a daily routine and planned activities.
Staying informed from trusted sources
Stay positive. This will pass, we will get through this together and change your mindset when you feel those negative comments through by listening to the things you are actually saying to yourself
Access support, if the feelings are just too much and are overwhelming there are resources available for you to access.
For the full details on how to better help your mental state during this difficult time please go to https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19
Protecting our elderly
Social distancing and self-isolation are key measures for preventing the spreadpreventing the spread (opens in a new tab) of viruses. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the team of health experts from around Australia who are helping the Government deal with the outbreak, has also placed limits on organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable groupslimits on organised gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups (opens in a new tab), including residents of aged care facilities. However, these measures can leave people socially isolated, which has negative impacts on mental health and wellbeing.
Elderly people are one of the groups most at riskgroups most at risk (opens in a new tab) of serious infection if they are exposed to COVID-19, but they are also vulnerable to becoming isolated during this time. Getting established online is a good way to stay connected and access services while minimising exposure and spread of COVID-19.
If you know an older Australian who might need assistance in getting established online and learning digital literacy skills, visit eSafety’s Be ConnectedBe Connected (opens in a new tab) website, which has great resources designed to help older Australians develop digital and online skills. eSafety’s article Social distancing without the isolation: helping older Australians connect onlineSocial distancing without the isolation: helping older Australians connect online (opens in a new tab) highlights some of the key resources that can help right now.
