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CORONA VIRUS UPDATE & ANXIETY - Let's Work Together to Make a Change for the Better!
Covid-19 Virus InformationAt Brilliant Minds, we understand that this is a very difficult time for everyone around the globe. Our priority is to continue to provide our clients with a high quality health care service including Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech Therapy.
We have put together information to help you cope during this difficult time. We are offering face to face services and teleconferencing via video or telephone. Just simply call us on 3133 0610 or email us at info@brilliantmindspsychology.com.au and we can organise your session via telephone or via video (teleconferencing).
Tips on Anxiety - Corona Virus
The experienced level of anxiety is increasing globally as the confirmed number of COVID-19 cases increases. We are experiencing an international level of anxiety and panic. The pandemic has resulted in panic, with hoarding behaviour prevalent around the world. This behaviour impacts the community and leaves those most vulnerable at even greater risk of not having the resources they need during this time. It also further exacerbates anxiety.
In short, we must STOP panic buying & hoarding; it is doing more harm than good!
Exposure to misinformation about the virus is also a factor maintaining some of the behaviours we are seeing. Most people are well intended, however, we are engaging in fear based conversations which only make things worse for us all. It is normal to experience worry, and anxiety during stressful times. However, it is important that we learn to manage our feelings during this time and learn to contain conversations that just fuel more anxiety. Constant media coverage about the coronavirus can keep us in a heightened state of anxiety. Try to limit related media exposure and instead seek out factual information from reliable sources such as the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Health Alert or other trusted organisations such as the World Health Organization
Additionally, The Australian Psychological Society have developed a tip sheet to help with coping - https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/5a4f6500-b5af-4482-9157-5392265d53ce/20APS-IS-COVID-19-Public-P2_1.pdf
Learn the Facts
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment (see page link below).
- Most at Risk:
For More Information
For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.auCall the National Coronavirus Help Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available atwww.health.gov.au/state-territory-contactsIf you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.
What Can I Do?
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene. Keeping your distance from others when you are sick is the best defence against most viruses.
You should:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, including before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and wash your hands immediately.
- Avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
- Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures. See below tipsheet for more information. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-health-care-and-residential-care-workers_4.pdf
What is Physical Distancing ?
Social distancing is commonly the term used, however, the World Health Organisation is recommending the term physical distancing be used instead. Physical distancing can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
We need to stop using the term social distancing, this is because those in the quarantine need social interaction. It is really important to stay connected at this time.
Physical distancing includes staying at home when you are unwell and keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible.
It is important to minimise physical contact especially with people at higher risk of developing serious symptoms, such as older people and people with existing health conditions.
There’s no need to change your daily routine, but taking these social distancing precautions can help protect the people in our community who are most at risk."
Taken from the below Source: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know_4.pdf
Keep Perspective & Take Care
When in crisis, it is easy to magnify and predict the worse. We tend to get caught up in a negative prediction mentality - this makes things worse!
The Australian Psychological Society, recommends to consider these questions and facts:
- Am I getting ahead of myself, assuming something bad will happen when I really don’t know the outcome?
- Remind yourself that the actual number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia is extremely low.
- Am I overestimating how bad the consequences will be?
- Remember, illness due to coronavirus infection is usually mild and most people recover without needing specialised treatment.
- Am I underestimating my ability to cope?
- Sometimes thinking about how you would cope, even if the worst were to happen, can help you put things into perspective Referrence: APS Anxiety Tip Sheet (see full tipsheet link above)
Stuck inside & Don't Know What to Do?
- It is important that you look after yourself at all times, but especially during this stressful time. Here are some things you can do:
- Blog Ilates -.They have 14 days quarantine work out plan! https://www.blogilates.com/
- Keep in contact with family and friends, via Skype, Zoom, texting etc.
- Engage in activities that help you feel a sense of calm.
- Practise Yoga and Mediation, there are a number of good Apps including Head Space, Calm, Smiling Mind.
- Check out You Tube for guided mediations and additional exercises/yoga.
- Eat well
- Exercise
- Sleep enough
- Avoid use of alchohol, and other drugs as this can impact your immune system (WHO, 2020)
- Humour - Laugh! Watch some funny videos or movies! Laughing is a natural way to assist in improving mood and reduce stress.
