Mental Health and COVID-19 – From the Board of Postvention Australia

May 28, 2020

At this time of distancing and isolation, there are friends and others who are especially vulnerable and alone.

We all need to be connected to others, it is our identity and value as a person – to others – and in reflection – ourselves. Connectedness is the essence of a life worth living, family life, work life, community life.

To be significant to another person, to share thoughts and ideas, acknowledges our own sense of personhood and self-worth.

There are important preventive steps we can take for our own well-being and the well-being of others at this troubled time:

maintain activity and movement – essential for the health of the body and mind;
maintain interests and activities, fine-tuning the relationship between “mind-and-hand” –making things, doing things, creating things;
maintain relationships;
don’t seek solace or relief from boredom with alcohol, substances and medicines; and
go outside and appreciate the sunlight. Exposure to the sun sustains well-being and regulates the sleep-wake relationship. The sun sets our body rhythms – the circadian rhythm – which is so important to the balance and function of our body and mental systems. It protects against depression.
Above all, stay connected!

The International Suicide Prevention Day in 2019 was about working together – about community connectedness building relationships and resilience. This is such an important idea and course of action for these unusual times.

If you are struggling, (or you know of someone who might be), please reach out and talk to family, friends or your neighbour. If you need help, please seek immediate assistance by calling Lifeline on 131114 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

The Board of Postvention Australia

Mental health support and COVID-19

We know that it can be a hard time right now with the COVID-19 pandemic. We have compiled a list of resources for COVID-19 and its impact on mental health below: