The Mental health impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Hi Bespokers,

As always, Mental Health is a critical issue for everyone to be aware of.

With a total disruption to many workplaces, livelihoods, social events, and day-to-day functioning due to COVID-19, SA Health have provided some information in regards to how to navigate mental health impacts of the changes.

It’s normal to feel stress and worry when there is a health event happening in the community that is affecting people’s wellbeing, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This can affect any person in the community who is concerned about the infection, with more specific concerns arising for people being tested, people in quarantine and people who have received a diagnosis.

It can also significantly impact team members who are concerned for their jobs and ability to pay bills.

Family, friends, employees, coworkers and others can also experience similar mental health impacts.

The following suggestions and support have been provided by SA Health.

Potential mental health impacts on people directly affected:

  • Increased anxiety for self and others (this can be expressed as a fear for one’s own health, and a fear of infecting others)
  • Psychological distress
  • Perceived stigmatisation
  • Social isolation
  • Interruption to employment or study
  • Impact on normal daily routine and functioning

Most people will manage with the support of family and friends, but others may need some extra help to keep things on track.

If you notice a change in the way that you, or others around you, are thinking or feeling, there are things that you can do to maintain positive mental health:

Maintain your normal daily routine
Connect with family and friends and other supports in your community
Look after yourself through exercise and regular healthy meals
Don’t over-indulge in alcohol or comfort foods
Ensure you have some time out to relax and unwind and do activities that you enjoy
Talk with your doctor or a counsellor if needed

Telephone and online based supports:

Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au

 

Lifeline Australia
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au

 

Regional Access Program (country areas) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1300 032 186
www.saregionalaccess.org.au

 

Lived Experience Telephone Support Service (LETSS) 5pm – 11:30 pm
(a peer mental health support line)
1800 013 755
www.letss.org.au

 

For people under 25 years of age:
Youth Beyond Blue
1300 224 636

 

eheadspace
1800 650 890

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following, please seek professional support:

  • Finding it difficult to participate in normal daily activities
  • Loss of hope or interest in the future
  • Experiencing an overwhelming sense of fear or sadness that is severe or lasting
    too long

Contact your GP for an appointment to consider whether a mental health treatment
plan for access to low cost or no cost counselling services would be helpful.

For people experiencing significant mental health impacts or those
who need more immediate support:

Mental Health Triage – 13 14 65
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (country and metropolitan areas)