Today is 1st April 2020 but unfortunately COVID-19 is no April Fools. These unprecedented times are stranger than science fiction and us mere mortals are doing our best to adapt to our new lives and the conditions in which we need to live to save lives. Our lives have changed in unimaginable ways and our children look to us for answers, questioning what’s next and what their short-term futures hold but perhaps for the first time in our lives, we simply do not know the answers.
The way we interact as humans has so rapidly changed and it’s very difficult to stop oneself from innate acts, like the humble handshake, a hug or even standing close to one another while chatting. There is an absolute inundation of information at both a micro and macro level, with each day seeing a new set of rules that we as a community must absorb and adapt to. Some days, it can all seem a bit too much as we ride the emotional rollercoaster of COVID-19.
So how do we cope and what do we do to keep our mental health in check? Well if there has ever been a time to adopt the ‘one day at a time’ approach, it is now.
During a crisis, humans will react differently, each of us experiencing a wide range of emotions. Across the world we have seen sadness, frustration, panic and utter despair but we have also seen people adapting, looking for new ways to stay connected; we have seen beautiful moments of compassion as people reach out to the vulnerable. We have seen community spirit, love and connectedness and this is something to celebrate.
So, when the doom of the day is creeping in, look for some positives in your day, appreciate the slower pace and the extra time you are spending with your family. Practice mindfulness and gratitude and find ways to let out your daily frustrations as we adapt to this strange and unprecedented time.
Heightened levels of anxiety are to be expected at this time as we try to manage the many layers of repercussion that COVID-19 has brought. If you are experiencing mental health issues or other personal concerns, talking to a Psychologist can be helpful in developing personal strategies to manage your feelings. To view our team of Clinical Psychologists and their areas of expertise, head to the Brisbane Psychologists page of our website.