MENTAL HEALTH
COPING IN A CRISIS
By Roberta Smith
Counsellor, Mind For Life
How to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation due to COVID-19
The pandemic is a recent crisis which has isolated a lot of us, myself included. I was
fortunate enough to have my sister with me and I moved in to live with her when I realised
the lockdown was scheduled to happen at any moment.
I can empathise with how other people feel when they like their own space and live alone
but are unable to see their friends as before.
Here are a few helpful suggestions which may assist you when you are feeling alone:
01
Virtual Social Life
Whilst social events are not allowed due to restrictions in some
countries, there is nothing to stop you from having a chat with
friends online via social media. I recommend that you try
organising regular video chats via Skype or Zoom with friends
and family. I have found them to be a great alternative to face
to face contact and if you have a good internet connection,
there is no limit to how many people you can chat with on a
Zoom call.
I recommend that you download Zoom for video chats which
allows a high number of users. You can also use Facebook
Messenger for smaller groups as it has been found that the
sound is clear and not distorted.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for technology
and developments in social media which have enabled me to
keep in touch with family who live in different countries.
02
Self Care
I have been listening to my body more often through regular
meditation and maintaining a healthier diet. I find that keeping
healthy both mentally and physically through regular exercise
and a balanced diet ensures that I maintain a positive and
proactive attitude, despite the current crisis we’re in.
Here are a few feel good foods which I eat on a regular basis to help keep me energised:
- Berries – Superfoods such as blueberries and raspberries. I enjoy these in a smoothie or as a topping for my granola and Weet-bix.
- Cutting out lactose – I currently only have Soy Milk or Lactose Free milk and my stomach and gut feel much better as a result.
- Kombucha – I love the fact that I feel I am enjoying a fizzy drink, without the sugar or additives of a fizzy drink such as Coca Cola
- Salads – I enjoy a nutritious salad with coleslaw and Asian vegetables. You can conveniently buy a cheap coleslaw mix at any supermarket where I have mine with mayonnaise and chicken.
Here are some tasty recipes that you can try making at home:
Yellowfin Fish Curry
Teriyaki Beef Stir fry
Mango Berry Swirl Smoothie
Lebanese Chicken & Rice- Riz
ala’ dajaj
Speak up and share your problems
I have found that speaking up during this lockdown period has helped me to
speak my mind and think about things more clearly with some perspective on the
situation. I don’t stress about things which are out of my control now. I found that
keeping a gratitude journal has helped me get out my feelings as well and express
thoughts which perhaps I haven’t wanted to share with friends and family.
You can also take advantage of our free coaching and counselling service to help
with any challenges you may be currently facing. See the link below for more
information on booking a session with one of our qualified health practitioners
Meditation
Now that restrictions have eased, I meditate using YouTube.(See the link below
for a recent one which I used) I find that ten minutes of meditation is sufficient for
me to maintain the focus on my breath and body. At times, I am able to meditate
for longer using Headspace. (Please see the link below)
Meditation Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZfC7FWjscc&t=205s
Expand your mind by learning new skills
I have found that sharing new experiences with others such as learning to surf
and skate has been beneficial during this COVID-19. It has provided me with
something to focus on other than the pandemic and has relieved some stress.
I am also a little scared of the waves in the ocean, and so it has been a good excuse
to gain more confidence, so that I am safe when out in the sea.
By learning healthy ways to cope in a crisis, it will make
you, the people you care about, and your community
that much stronger and more resilient!
If you are struggling with a problem of any kind today and would like some support, please get in touch with us at
info@mindforlife.org.au or call us on +61 449 601 435
To seek help from a clinical professional or in a time of crisis please contact
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Thank you for reaching out to us at Mind For Life and taking control of your health and happiness.
Stay safe and remain calm.
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