Mental Health - 7 Tips
Headspace Hawthorn staff Lucia and Lily (on-screen) working from home.
Lily Bourke from youth mental health service Headspace at 1/360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn said that while some individuals may thrive off the slowing down of life and having more time at home, others may not cope well with the shutdowns and isolation.
During this time it is not unusual to feel more anxious and more worried than normal or struggle to cope with changes in routines.
Headspace recommend seven tips to maintain a "healthy headspace":
1. Get into life - do things you know you enjoy, revisit old hobbies or try new ones.
2. Create connections - it is important to stay connected with friends, family, and our communities. We can still feel connected during physical distancing through phone calls and online communications.
3. Eat well - maintaining a balanced diet can have a positive impact on mood and general health and well-being.
4. Stay active - we can manage stress and boost our mood through movement and exercise.
5. Get enough sleep - making sure we're getting enough sleep and doing things to improve our sleep quality "does wonders for our mental health".
6. Cut back on alcohol and other drugs - this gives us "the best chance of maintaining a healthy headspace and help manage emotions", especially in a particularly idle time.
7. Learn new skills to handle tough times - "these are the things we call on when faced with stress or worries. There are lots of ways you can help yourself, its about finding what works for you."
For online resources and services for young people go to headspace.org.au or make a telehealth appointment with the Hawthorn team by calling 03 9006 6500. National not-for-profit mental health organisation Beyond Blue have established a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au, or to speak to someone, call 1800 512 348.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and for emergency assistance, all members of the community can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
