Looking After Your Health and Wellbeing During COVID-19
Miners’ Promise recognises and understands the feelings of anxiety, distress and concern many people may be experiencing in relation to the coronavirus. The COVID-19 outbreak and its flow-on effects may generate a range of impacts on mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities including those who are experiencing quarantine or self-isolation and we have put together the following information and links to resources which are designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of all those impacted from COVID-19.
These are testing times. But in the face of difficulty and uncertainty, there are moments of solidarity around Australia and the world; stories of communities brought together through a shared experience, to help each other through this unprecedented and difficult period.
Our message to our members and partners revolves around the importance of looking after ourselves and each other during this challenging time – stay safe and be kind to one another. We will continue to support you, your loved ones, and the broader community we all share. Please contact us if you need support during this challenging time. We’re here on 1300 124 014.
Try to maintain perspective
While it is reasonable for people to be concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus, try to remember that medical, scientific and public health experts around the world are working hard to contain the virus, treat those affected and develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.
Find a healthy balance in relation to media coverage
Being exposed to large volumes of negative information can heighten feelings of anxiety. While it’s important to stay informed, you may find it useful to limit your media intake if it is upsetting you or your family.
Managing your mental health while in self-isolation or quarantine
There are a number of ways to support your mental health during periods of self-isolation or quarantine.
- Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus.
- Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting the virus.
- Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.
- Connect with others via the Beyond Blue forums thread: Coping during the coronavirus outbreak.
- Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
- Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.
- Try to maintain physical activity – whilst still practicing social distancing.
- Establish routines as best possible and try to view this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits.
- For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space.
- Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing.
Try to maintain a practical and calm approach
Widespread panic can complicate efforts to manage the outbreak effectively. Do your best to stay calm and follow official advice, particularly around observing good hygiene habits.
The Australian Psychological Society has advice about maintaining positive mental health during the outbreak.
Access good quality information
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources such as those listed below. This will also help you maintain perspective and feel more in control.
Australian Government
Factsheets, health alerts, Coronavirus Australia app, Whatsapp messaging service
Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. Send a message to +61 400 253 787 on WhatsApp.
Health Direct
Factsheets, symptom checker
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Factsheet
- Health Direct have also developed a COVID-19 Symptom Checker – an online, self-guided tool to help people find out if they need to seek medical help. You can access this tool by clicking on the button below.
World Health Organisation
Updates, health alerts, Whatsapp messaging service
- Full WHO updates as they happen
- WHO daily situation reports
- World Health Organisation Website: http://www.who.int
To increase access to reliable information, WHO has worked with WhatsApp and Facebook to launch a WHO Health Alert messaging service. The service provides updated information on the pandemic, including how to protect yourself, questions and answers, and the latest news and press coverage. To join, send hi to +41 79 893 18 92 on WhatsApp.
Where To Go For Support?
It is extremely important to seek out help if you need it.
Beyond Blue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
The Beyond Blue dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is now available 24/7 to support all Australians to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Visit coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
- Call 1800 512 348
How Beyond Blue can help:
- Call 1300 22 4636
- Chat online
- Connect with others via the Beyond Blue forum: Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak
Lifeline
How Lifeline can help:
- Call 13 11 14
Lifeline Helpline will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - Lifeline Text 0477 13 11 14
Lifeline Text will operate 6pm – midnight (AEST), 7 nights a week - Lifeline Webchat
Lifeline Webchat will continue to operate 7pm – midnight (AEST), 7 nights a week - Help Article – Mental Health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
- Tool Kit – Managing your mental health while working from home in COVID-19
Resources
Links to the following information and resources are designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of those impacted from COVID-19.
- Life in Mind Australia
- Australian Government Department of Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians - Australian Psychological Society
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians - Butterfly Foundation
COVID-19 Tips and Advice for those with an eating disorder - Head Space
Support for young people – How to cope with stress related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - MindSpot
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Staying mentally and physically well - Kids Helpline
For children that may need support call 1800 55 1800 or go to https://kidshelpline.com.au - Phoenix Australia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tips for self-care and families - ReachOut
Get tips on uncertainly and looking after yourself during the Coronavirus outbreak - Roses in the Ocean
Tips for working from home - Thrive At Work At Home
Evidenced-based guide and tips for successfully working from home - Safe Work Australia
Information on COVID-19 and Work Health & Safety - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Managing Anxiety & Stress
Support for those experiencing financial hardship
As the ongoing spread of the coronavirus continues to affect the global economy, many people in Australia are losing jobs, livelihoods and financial stability. For information and services provided by the Australian government, please visit Services Australia.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, National Debt Helpline offers free financial counselling.
Miners’ Promise wishes to acknowledge and thank Beyond Blue and Lifeline for the use of their information and material throughout this page.