Some simple tips to help you cope with any anxiety, distress or concern related to the coronavirus

How can you deal with anxiety, distress and concern related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?

A team of experts put together some tips to help you manage your mental health in the current context.

Tips for looking after your mental health:

  • Media coverage: find a healthy balance and limit news and social media if you and your family find it too distressing.

  • Sources of information: access credible information from government and health authorities (i.e. Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Australian Government and World Health Organisation (WHO)).

  • Maintain perspective: remember that experts around the world are working hard to help. Also, while coronavirus can affect anyone, those with the disease haven’t done anything wrong so don’t make assumptions.

  • Stay calm and be practical: follow advice from credible sources (see above), and resist the urge to panic, as this makes it harder for authorities to manage the outbreak effectively.

  • Stay connected and/or seek support: keep in touch with your family, friends, colleagues or professional support services by phone, video call, social media or email.

  • Stick to a routine: aim to get plenty of sleep, maintain physical activity, eat healthy foods and allocate specific work hours and breaks. Stay curious about your new experience and how you can use it to develop healthy habits.

  • Financial support: visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to find relevant information for Victorians, or call the National Debt Helpline.

While the ‘new normal’ may cause heightened levels of anxiety and stress at first, following these tips can help reduce these feelings, and support your mental health so you are better able to stay mentally healthy.

So, in summary, if you’re feeling anxious or stressed: