With the world in a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic, journalists across the world have been releasing stories to keep everyone updated on the crisis. While it is important to follow the stories and keep up to date on the medical advice and number of cases, I can’t help but feel really overwhelmed, stressed and worried about it all. The stories we are hearing aren’t always good and it’s beginning to play on my mind.
After waking up this morning, I went to Twitter to catch up on the latest news and found a thread, liked by someone I follow, created by Hazel Hayes (@TheHazelHayes) which really inspired me to write this article; I realised that I’m probably not the only one feeling worried and overwhelmed by it all. She shared some resources that really helped me and so I wanted to share them, as well as some other resources I have gathered through my own research and through friends, to help anyone feeling the same way.
Helpful Resources:
1. YoungMinds Twitter Thread (@YoungMindsUK)
https://twitter.com/YoungMindsUK/status/1238412847186685952
Although this twitter account is UK based, they have some really useful tips that we can apply here in Australia. They suggest:
Talking to someone about how you’re feeling – this could be family and friends or a phone line like Beyond Blue, Headspace or even Murdoch University’s Counselling service if you’re a Murdoch student.
- Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/
- Murdoch University Counselling: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/counselling
Use government websites to find out the facts – posts on social media may not always be true
- World Health Organisation: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
- Australian Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
- Coronavirus Information Line: 1800 020 080
Limit time spent on social media – constant updates can cause anxiety
Find things that make you feel calm – this could be listening to music, keeping a journal or talking to friends and family; whatever you know suits you the best.
2. “Coronavirus: 8 Ways to Help Yourself and Others” Article
This article outlines some steps that could be useful for you if you are feeling overwhelmed but want to keep updated on the crisis. It also discusses what to do if you find yourself having to self-isolate, which has helped me to feel much calmer; I always feel less anxious if I know what to do before it happens and thought that might be helpful to others.
3. Salt Lab’s Tips to Support Your Immune System
https://www.saltlaboratory.com/blogs/news
In an email update, Salt Lab sent out some simple tips to help their readers keep up a healthy immune system. See the image below for their helpful tips and remember that healthy body equals healthy mind! We’ve also included a link to their blog so you can read their other stories that could be useful as well.
Acts of Kindness:
As I mentioned earlier, the reason some of us may be feeling worried and anxious could be due to the negative stories we are hearing from the news. To combat this, I’ve been making it a mission of mine to find positive news amongst the sea of negative and this is what I’ve found so far:
1. Adopt a Healthcare Worker
https://www.facebook.com/groups/666739964088379
A WA resident developed a Facebook group called “Adopt a Healthcare Worker”, where they aim to get the community involved in supporting the healthcare workers that support us. The idea is to ‘adopt’ a person who works in healthcare, which could mean messaging them to check in regularly, doing their shopping or offering frozen meals. Due to the healthcare workers being under immense pressure, the group was formed in order to provide the support that healthcare workers desperately need. Just regular people trying their best to support the community – now that’s a positive story we all needed to hear.
2. #ViralKindness Postcard
https://twitter.com/MrJonnyGreen/status/1238454626019684355
A UK woman developed a kindness postcard that people across the world can print out and give to their neighbours to show their support. The idea is to wash your hands, print the postcard, fill it out and put it in your neighbour’s letter box. It’s a great way to give back to the community and help your neighbour.
Overall, it is important to be mentally as well as physically healthy and hopefully these resources will help support those who, like me, feel overwhelmed or stressed. If you have any tips to share about well-being and mindfulness during this time or any other acts of kindness you’ve seen, feel free to share them with us!