For all of us, this global pandemic is of great concern, Understandable. In Australia – Almost 4000 diagnosed cases of Covid-19 and internationally nearing 650,000 with 32,000 deaths. It is normal to feel a degree of anxiety – especially of the unknown and uncertainty that surrounds it.
Much change has occurred in our daily lives with social distancing becoming the new normal; face to face socialising removed and our usual routines disrupted.
Life at CCM has changed. Students are adapting quickly to online learning as we shift to enable continued learning.
For most of us – the pandemic conjures an emotional response – individually and/or collectively. For some, symptoms can appear that need attention and support. When anxiety moves into distress and fear, the impact on mental health is real with increased stress on relationships, finances and living conditions and employment and other.
Unemployment has historically created great distress for many and has multi-layered social implications.
The majority of people adjust well, but not all people cope as well as others. Those with pre-existing mental illness (clinical depression, mood, anxiety and psychiatric disorders) are possibly most at risk. For those in crisis – immediate intervention and assistance is required. What we can do is to provide that metaphoric bridge to encourage those in need to access help.
On the home front, problems can emerge. For some, the feeling of isolation and loneliness comes with the enforced ‘staying at home’. Sadly, for many – home is not a safe place.The spike in domestic violence in expected to increase. In countries worst hit with Covid-19, this has been occurring at alarming levels. There has a been a 75% increase in googles searches in Australia.
Yesterday Goverment’s 74m pledge to additional mental health and 150m in domestic violence support is welcomed. It acknowledges the existence of struggle and the need for support. Help is there. Accessing it is the key.
What we can do is keep an eye out for and to reach out to those who are struggling.
Listening is a great start. Maintaining communications – another.
As we know in our clinic work – it is important to have at hand – crisis contact points.
Resources and services
- 1800 RESPECT – (Domestic violence and sexual assault) 1800 737 732
- Lifeline – 131 114
- Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
- DV Connect – 1800 811 811
- Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491
- NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463
Also :
Beyond Blue : 1300 224 636
Kids helpline : 1800 551 800
Suicide Call back Service : 1300 659 467
In the next blog :
- Keeping perspective
- Accessing factual updates
- Limiting media exposure
- Practical tips for optimising mental health in this climate
Keep well
David Starr
Dip TP Art Therapy
Dip TP Counselling
