Managing your mental health when facing a new COVID-19 lockdown

Summary

Many Australians have gone into yet another COVID-19 lockdown. With each new lockdown, concerns arise for the mental health of those affected. This ABC News article includes some strategies from psychologists to help people better cope with the stress of lockdown as follows:

• Focus on what you can control—not on the things you can’t. This includes staying in touch with those you care about and keeping up some form of exercise, including deep breathing exercises which help calm nerves.
• Take breaks from news and technology. While it’s important to keep up to date with what’s happening, a constant bombardment of bad news will work against you trying to stay positive.
• Remember, you’re not alone—that’s important. Psychologists say that feeling connected is important for our mental health, and we should reach out to those we care about
• If you’re struggling, get in touch with your GP or psychologist.

References

• Jul 2020 Black Dog Institute Mental health resources to help you through lockdown

• Oct 2020 BBC Coronavirus: The possible long-term mental health impacts

• Nov 2020 The Conversation Six evidenced-based ways to look after your mental health during another lockdown

• Apr 2021 Smartraveller.gov.au COVID-19: Mental health and wellbeing

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