Beyond Blue's lead clinical adviser Dr Grant Blashki said it's completely normal to feel anxious in these circumstances.
“Understandably right now, people may be feeling a range of emotions, including loneliness, given the interruption to our normal ways living and socialising,” he said.
“It’s important to do your best to maintain social connections through other means, for example by telephone or using digital technology, if you’re using social media or web-based channels, remember to switch off at the end of the day.
“If you’re noticing things you haven’t noticed before, you might want to seek some advice, Beyond Blue is a great starting point to look up the signs and symptoms of anxiety.”
He recommended some practical things people can do at home to reduce the risk of a decline in their mental health:
- Eat as healthily as you can and stay as physically active as you can;
- If you are working from home, make sure you are taking breaks, work within your normal work hours, establish a dedicated working space and be mindful of your work/life balance;
- Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing;
- Stick to the facts. Seek out information from trusted sources such as the World Health Organisation or Commonwealth, state or territory government web sites;
- Small acts of kindness are important. We’re starting to hear fantastic stories of complete strangers helping one-another (sharing food and household items).
Lifeline Australia Chairman John Brogden said 23 per cent of their callers last week had discussed coronavirus.
“This summer Lifeline received a sustained 10-15 per cent increase in calls as a result of the bushfires, now with COVID-19 and the resulting enforced closures, financial stress, social isolation and concern about health, our calls are only expected to increase,” he said.
“We want to reassure Australians that no matter what happens with COVID-19, Lifeline is prepared and we are committed to being available to any person who needs us through the 13 11 14 phoneline, text and online services.”
Lifeline is putting new measures in place to ensure the 13 11 14 phone line and text service will remain open if Australia is forced into lock down.
Mr Brogden also called on Australians to look out for each other.
“The current social isolation policy means many of the important opportunities for people to connect with each other and do things they enjoy are being stopped. For someone who is already struggling, this can be a huge blow,” he said.
“We are asking people to look out for those who may struggle through isolation, especially if they live on their own.
“If you can’t knock on their door, be imaginative in how you can connect- give someone a call, write them an email, put a note under their door, sing under their window.
“By reaching out to someone who may be struggling and letting them know you care, you can send a really powerful message of hope.”
He said some people will struggle with mandatory isolation and experience heightened anxiety.
“It will be more important than ever that Lifeline can be here for any Australian who is feeling overwhelmed and needs someone to talk to,” Mr Brogden said.
“We want to reassure every Australian that we will still be here for you, at any time you need us on 13 11 14."
Need to talk to someone?
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
Are you anxious? Take the Beyond Blue quiz to see how you’re tracking and whether you could benefit from support
