Iso-struggles
As I write this, I’m facing down the Easter long weekend of 2020 without my usual enthusiasm for a break. The Coronavirus situation (or COVID-19, if you want to feel more intellectual) means I’m stuck in my home, with little chance to take advantage of the sun and last bit of heat before Autumn actually hits.
One positive to come from this is I’ve actually gone ahead with this idea I’ve been playing around with for months, and hit “publish” on this blog. Despite a boon in my productivity (and bravery), there’s no denying this iss also a time of anxiety, fear, and loneliness.
There’s a lot to be written about self-care strategies for mental well-being at this time. However, I thought instead I’d share my own recent emotional experience. We’re all feeling things differently - there’s no right or wrong, but I think hearing about where others are at is vital to feel okay.
I’ve been on a bit of a rollercoaster. I’ve not felt worried for my own health, but I have been worried about vulnerable family members, friends, and clients. Seeing photos of people lining up for miles at Centrelink after job losses has got me questioning our financial security. At other times, I feel only frustration and boredom at being stuck at home.
I tend to feel strong emotions very easily at times (useful in my work), and I’m feeling very moved by so many things at the moment - moved to both darkness and light. I’ve let myself lean into this shared human experience of fear, loss, and disconnect; and in contradiction, also the new sense of connection between society as a whole. I’ve found myself tearing up at the sight of body bags on the news. Yesterday I cried (and laughed at myself simultaneously) at an ad where a group of people sang “I Still Call Australia Home” via video chat. Although moments of overwhelm come, overall I feel safe in the knowledge that things will go back to some semblance of normal soon enough.
I think the best way to sum up this mish-mash of emotions is this: in a strange way, despite feeling deeply unsettled in moments, I realise I’m feeling very, exquisitely alive.
No doubt your experience is different to mine - whatever it is, it’s okay. You might feel massive distress, or you may feel total indifference. Both are normal. All you really need to do is check in with yourself regularly, and see what you need in any given moment.
Some great resources for managing your mental health in this pandemic are sprouting up. A few suggestions to hit up for general tips:
Beyond Blue - All things coping at this time, with many excellent tips. Beyond Blue has received a funding injection to help Australians cope, so head here if you need to talk or access some immediate crisis support (Lifeline: 13 11 14).
Head to Health - I had no idea this site existed, but it’s a fantastic government initiative bringing together evidence-based resources to help boost general well-being. Its COVID-specific page is very handy.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) - A couple of short and sweet handouts I’ve been giving to clients with tips on managing (understandable) health anxiety and isolation.
Child Mind Institute - Schools, teachers, and newly-initiated home-schoolers (i.e. parents) seem to be doing a good job of speaking to kids about the current situation, but this page provides tips on how to help kids feel safe at this time.
Sometimes social media is toxic, but there’s some good things happening there at the moment - connections with friends via funny videos and pics, the #weareallinthistogether on Twitter. Use with discretion, but see what’s helpful for you.
Take care, slow down, and remember - whatever you feel and need right now is okay.