COVID19SUPPORT

Parenting Support for your Autistic Children during Covid19

Mood-Effex - Stop Depression & Anxiety Naturally!

Mental health and Well-Being during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak

LifeLine ~ Australia, But Relevant Wherever You Are !

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The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on

an International Scale.

It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling afraid, worried,

anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage

regarding the spread of the virus.

While it is important to stay informed, the following are some mental health and well

being tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other during

these difficult times.

We would like to reassure you that the Lifeline telephone, text and web chat services

will continue as normal throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Manage your exposure to media coverage as this can increase feelings of fear and anxiety.

Be mindful of sources of information and ensure you are accessing good quality and accurate

information.

We have provided some links below.

What To Do :

Follow a “calm yet cautious” approach – do you best to remain calm and be

mindful not to contribute to the widespread panic that can hinder efforts to

positively manage the outbreak.

Ensure you are following directives issued by the government, medical advice and

observe good hygiene habits.

Show compassion and kindness to one another – these times of fear, isolation

(both physical and social) and uncertainty are when it is most important that we

strengthen our sense of community by connecting with and supporting each other.

Remind Ourselves that we can manage this much better together in solidarity, and

that COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender,

nationality or ethnicity.

Actively manage your wellbeing by maintaining routines where possible

Connect with family and friends (even if not in person)

Stay Physically Active, Eat Nutritious Foods

Seek Additional Support by contacting Lifeline or further professional support as

required.

Strategies to cope with Social Distancing, Self-Isolation or Quarantine

Going into a period of social distancing, self-isolation or quarantine may feel

daunting or overwhelming, and can contribute to feelings of helplessness and fear.

In addition to the above, we encourage the following;

Perspective – try to see this time as unique and different, not necessarily bad,

even if its something you didn’t necessarily choose

Connection – think of creative ways to stay connected with others, including

social media, email and phone

Be generous to others – giving to others in times of need not only helps the

recipient, it enhances your well-being too.

Is there a way to help others around you?

Stay connected with your values. Don’t let fear or anxiety drive your

interactions with others. We are all in this together!

Daily routine – create a routine that prioritizes things you enjoy and even

things you have been meaning to do but haven’t had enough time.

Read that book, watch that show, take up that new hobby.

Try to see this as a new and unusual period that might even have some

benefits.

Limit your exposure to news and media. Perhaps choose specific times of day when you

will get updates, and ensure they are from reputable and reliable sources.

Staying connected through the COVID-19 crisis

Research after the SARS pandemic in Hong Kong in 2008, provides evidence of

the significance of connection through epidemics.

It found that residents in Hong Kong experienced increased Social

Connectedness, which offset the Negative Mental Health impacts of the

Pandemic.

As connection is so important during this time, here are some tips on staying connected to others

during this time.

Remember – We are all in this Together.

If there is someone you think may struggle through social isolation, it is important to

reach out to them and let them know you care:

Call them to check on their welfare

Send an email

Leave a note under their door

Don’t underestimate the power you have to offer hope to another person.

We encourage people to get creative with how they interact, here are some ways to

stay connected if self-isolating:

Set up a gratitude tree – where every member posts a message or sends a text

to other members to share something they are grateful for.

Find a buddy, or group of, to set daily challenges with.

These could include a healthy habit, a mindful practice, a creative pursuit.

Be sure to encourage and check in daily to stay motivated.

Set dates and times to watch the same TV shows/movies with someone and message each other

your thoughts along the way… kind of like Goggle Box but you're not sharing the couch!

If your local community has one, join its social media group!

This will keep you up to date with what’s going on directly around you.

It may also include ways you can perhaps reach out and connect with someone less fortunate

than you and ways to assist them.

Managing your Mental Health While Working From Home in COVID-19

Helping Children Cope Through COVID-19

This is an uncertain time for everyone, and children may be impacted by fear and

anxiety.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your children are supported;

Give your children extra attention and reassurance. Where possible, minimise their

exposure to media and social media that may heighten anxiety

Acknowledge your own feelings about the situation and let children know it’s okay to

share their own feelings

Include your children in plans and activities around the house

If you don’t see an improvement in 4 weeks, or if you’re concerned, seek professional

help (earlier if needed)

It is extremely important to seek out help if you feel you need it.

We want to remind everyone that Lifeline is here to offer support to you and listen.

Lifeline are committed to ensuring our services continue as normal during

this time.

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