{"id":19053,"date":"2021-06-14T11:14:55","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T01:14:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?page_id=19053"},"modified":"2022-01-07T14:14:40","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T04:14:40","slug":"coping-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/coping-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Coping during COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":19264,"parent":10397,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19053","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nCoping during COVID-19 - Lung Foundation Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In this section, we discuss coping mechanisms as we go in and out of lockdowns and continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/coping-during-covid-19\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Coping during COVID-19 - 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For people living with a lung condition, this sense of fragility and vulnerability has been magnified during this uncertain time. In this section, we discuss coping mechanisms for our community as you navigate life with a lung condition in a COVID-world.","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"column_content","columns":[{"column_type":"text","heading_text":"Feeling anxious","paragraph_text":"<div class=\"container-copy wysiwyg\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Living with a lung condition and the prospect of progression and deterioration causes feelings of anxiousness for many. The pandemic has added an additional layer of stress and worry for people affected by lung conditions.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you notice feelings of anxiety rise up, take the time to ask yourself: is your mind being hypervigilant and trying to get you to make \u2018worst case scenario\u2019 plans? Or is it truly a situation that warrants you being concerned? If it is truly a situation that warrants concern, take action to keep yourself safe. If, however, your mind is trying to get you to engage in \u2018worst-case scenario\u2019 planning, quietly acknowledge what is worrying you and maybe even write it down. Then ask yourself if you can become engaged in more worthwhile thoughts; if you can let yourself be distracted or engaged in a pleasurable pastime?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","button_display_setting":true,"button":{"":null,"button_type":"Link Button","link":{"title":"Learn more about big feelings","url":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/news\/what-are-big-feelings\/","target":"_blank"},"email":"","file":false,"modal_trigger":"","button_text":""},"background_colour":"transparent","column_image":false,"youtube_video_url":""},{"column_type":"text","heading_text":"Losing confidence","paragraph_text":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Self-confidence can waver during stressful times. Thinking about venturing out into the community where there are high rates of community transmission can create added worry for people living with a lung condition. If you feel like you have lost a lot of self-confidence, a mental health professional can help you. But if it is \u2018just a bit of a dint\u2019, you might find that you can regain some confidence by calling in your support network. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you’re venturing out, it might be helpful to take a friend or family member with you to act as a back-up person and, if need, provide you with a distraction. You can start with small steps. Make your trips out of the house to well-known places where you feel welcome, comfortable and know the environment. It can also help to take your own hand santiser and spare face masks, for example, to help you feel prepared and safe. When it’s safe to do so, and if current government restrictions and recommendations allow, challenge yourself to be a bit more adventurous; go somewhere new or stay out longer. The worst thing you can do when feeling low in self-confidence is to give in to the feeling. Challenge yourself and try not to let your feelings become a bully.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","button_display_setting":false,"button":{"":null,"button_type":"Link Button","link":null,"email":"","file":false,"modal_trigger":"","button_text":""},"background_colour":"#f9f9f9","column_image":false,"youtube_video_url":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content_area","heading":"","content":"<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">Feeling vulnerable<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Since the beginning of the\u00a0COVID-19\u00a0pandemic, people living with lung conditions have felt\u00a0incredibly\u00a0vulnerable.\u00a0Extended social isolation periods\u00a0and remaining vigilant about\u00a0social distancing, mask wearing\u00a0and\u00a0hand hygiene\u00a0are an ongoing reminder of being at\u00a0increased\u00a0risk due to your lung condition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u00a0is\u00a0concerning for many\u00a0people\u00a0is that as\u00a0community transmission reduces, it does\u00a0not\u00a0take long for\u00a0the broader\u00a0community\u00a0to become complacent. Some people quickly forget\u00a0about\u00a0social distancing and other strategies\u00a0such as\u00a0hand washing or sanitising.\u00a0\u00a0It can feel like these people forget that these actions not\u00a0only\u00a0put them at\u00a0risk\u00a0but\u00a0also\u00a0you\u00a0as well.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201c<\/strong><strong><i>COVID-19 created another form of grief for me. It was a reality check on how vulnerable I am. It felt like I was reliving the time when I was first diagnosed.\u201d \u2013 Anonymous, living with Pulmonary Arterial\u00a0<\/i>Hypertension.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It is easy under these circumstances to become annoyed, angry and scared. You might feel like saying something or turning around and going home. There\u00a0will be some\u00a0situations where you might feel like you can ask the person to give you a little space.\u00a0If you do choose to say something, remember that you are more likely to get compliance and a good outcome if you are not aggressive or angry when you make your request.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There may also be situations where you assess that the event or place that you are going to might not be as well-regulated as\u00a0you would expect.\u00a0In these circumstances, it might be wise to take extra precautions and possibly stay home or be prepared to leave if you feel it is\u00a0too risky.\u00a0Discussing this possibility with other people in your group will help you to make these decisions and not feel alone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"column_content","columns":[{"column_type":"image","heading_text":"","paragraph_text":"","button_display_setting":false,"button":{"":null,"button_type":"Link Button","link":null,"email":"","file":false,"modal_trigger":"","button_text":""},"background_colour":"transparent","column_image":{"ID":19054,"id":19054,"title":"Worried senior man sitting alone in his home","filename":"iStock-1211839973-1-scaled.jpg","filesize":486386,"url":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/coping-during-covid-19\/worried-senior-man-sitting-alone-in-his-home-2\/","alt":"","author":"85","description":"","caption":"Worried senior man sitting alone in his home","name":"worried-senior-man-sitting-alone-in-his-home-2","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":19053,"date":"2021-06-14 01:13:24","modified":"2021-06-14 01:13:24","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1821,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-300x213.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":213,"medium_large":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-768x546.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":546,"large":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-1024x728.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":728,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-1536x1093.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1093,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-2048x1457.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1457,"xxlarge":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-1920x1366.jpg","xxlarge-width":1920,"xxlarge-height":1366,"xlarge":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-1280x911.jpg","xlarge-width":1280,"xlarge-height":911,"header-navigation":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-480x1080.jpg","header-navigation-width":480,"header-navigation-height":1080,"link-category":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-380x256.jpg","link-category-width":380,"link-category-height":256,"card":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-450x450.jpg","card-width":450,"card-height":450,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":213,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":285,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1211839973-1-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":427}},"youtube_video_url":""},{"column_type":"text","heading_text":" Isolation","paragraph_text":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The downside of being\u00a0extra careful and\u00a0risk averse is\u00a0that\u00a0you\u00a0may increase feelings of isolation.\u00a0People are social\u00a0beings;\u00a0we are not meant to live alone without the ability to go out\u00a0and socialise,\u00a0or\u00a0to\u00a0live\u00a0in\u00a0isolation\u00a0for long periods.\u00a0Socially isolating\u00a0to stay safe\u00a0can result in feelings of\u00a0sadness and loneliness.\u00a0Don\u2019t let physical distancing\u00a0become emotional\u00a0distancing.\u00a0\u00a0Regardless of whether you connect online or via the telephone, try to connect with someone once a day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","button_display_setting":false,"button":{"":null,"button_type":"Link Button","link":null,"email":"","file":false,"modal_trigger":"","button_text":""},"background_colour":"#f9f9f9","column_image":false,"youtube_video_url":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"featured_posts_static","heading":"","view_more_link":null,"posts":[{"ID":19135,"post_author":"85","post_date":"2021-06-15 10:48:58","post_date_gmt":"2021-06-15 00:48:58","post_content":"<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Tips for living with lung disease and lung cancer in \u2018new normal\u2019 <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>\u201cHumans are social creatures and we are not used to social distancing. The difficult part of social distancing is that we can start to feel disconnected from each other. As a result, it\u2019s normal to start to have feelings of isolation, loneliness and sadness which can affect mental health.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><cite>- Debra Sandford, Clinical Psychologist<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mental health impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt in Australia with the ongoing risk of outbreaks, unexpected short-term lockdowns and restrictions. Lung Foundation Australia, in collaboration with Clinical Psychologist Debra Sandford, offers the following advice for looking after your mental health during this time. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There is no stereotypical way for people to react to these unprecedented times. For many, their lives for the foreseeable future will be greatly affected by COVID-19 either emotionally, physically or financially, or even all three. It\u2019s normal to develop feelings of anxiousness, distress, fear and even anger.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It is important to prioritise your physical and mental health. These strategies may help you to cope with feelings that arise while you are social distancing or self-isolating.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Coping with self-isolation and social distancing <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Maintain perspective  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are feeling anxious or worried about the current situation, remember that health professionals, government officials and researchers are working tirelessly to help those in need and slow the spread of the disease. This is a global issue, which means the world\u2019s best minds are working to solve it.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Limit media intake  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\u2019s important to keep up-to-date with new announcements but don\u2019t let the 24\/7 news cycle control your life. Know when to switch off, as repeated exposure can increase feelings of anxiety for most people.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Debra recommends: \u201cCheck the news in the morning, perhaps just half an hour to catch up with what\u2019s happened overnight, then again listen to the evening news. It\u2019s important to disconnect during the day to give yourself a break.\u201d <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Follow government advice  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Federal and State Governments are regularly updating advice on how to protect yourself, the COVID-19 vaccination rollouts, current restrictions and health alerts. It can feel overwhelming when the information on restrictions and travel can change so frequently; find the most current information via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health.gov.au<\/a>.   <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Health and wellbeing  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:media-text {\"mediaId\":19136,\"mediaLink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lungfoundation.com.au\\\/?attachment_id=19136\",\"mediaType\":\"image\",\"mediaWidth\":39} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:39% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1167942965-1024x578.jpg\" alt=\"Older woman exercising to reduce the mental impact of COVID-19. \" class=\"wp-image-19136 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Keeping well physically may help to improve your mental wellbeing and reduce the impact of COVID-19. Regularly drink water, eat healthy and nourishing food to fuel your body and try to keep your body moving. Now might be the time to talk to your GP or an exercise physiologist about a home-based exercise program. Try to establish a regular sleeping pattern, as this will help you to maintain your normal routine and feel more at ease. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:media-text -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Debra says: \u201cIf you are struggling to exercise because of your health, try sitting out in the fresh air and getting some sunshine. This will help you feel a bit better and it will definitely help with your sleep routine.\u201d  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Living with others in lockdown <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions mean you may be spending more time at home with your family or housemates than you typically would. Equip yourself early with the tools to manage household politics, as conflict in the home can take a toll on your mental health.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>\"<em>The isolation is difficult, you miss doing things spontaneously. Not going out and interacting with others, means you have less to talk about with your partner.<\/em>\"<\/strong><\/p><cite>- Anonymous, living with lung cancer. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Set rules and boundaries  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Have all the household members come together when everyone is feeling calm and discuss rules or boundaries you each have that may make life easier during this time. It might be having a designated \u201cquiet hour\u201d or developing a roster of chores.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Connect  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Schedule time each day to focus on making the most of each other\u2019s company: sit down for a meal, play a board game, watch a television show. Make it an activity that everyone enjoys to create a happy environment. This is a challenging time for everyone, so bolster each other with positivity and check in on your loved one\u2019s mental health regularly. If you are feeling stressed or angry, walk away and calm down before confronting someone. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Debra says: \u201cIt\u2019s likely you or your loved one may have a shorter temper than usual; this is quite normal when people become stressed. Under these circumstances, give each other space to cool off and come back together when you are both calmer to discuss the issue.\u201d  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>The five senses exercise  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The goal of this exercise is to calm your mind by using all your senses to focus on your environment instead of your thoughts.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>First, notice five things that you can see. Look around you and become aware of your environment. Try to pick out something that you would not usually notice.<\/li><li>Second, notice four things you can feel. Bring your attention to the things that you\u2019re currently feeling, such as the texture of your clothing or the smooth surface of the table you\u2019re resting your hands on.<\/li><li>Third, notice three things that you can hear. Listen for and notice things in the background that you don\u2019t normally notice. It could be the birds chirping outside or an appliance humming in the next room. <\/li><li>Fourth, notice two things you can smell. Bring attention to scents that you usually filter out, either pleasant or unpleasant. Catch a whiff of the pine trees outside or food cooking in the kitchen.<\/li><li>Finally, notice one thing you can taste. Take a sip of a drink, chew gum or notice the current taste in your mouth. <\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Debra says: \u201cThe more descriptive information you include during this exercise, the better it will work. It also usually works better if you can talk out loud; your ear will hear your voice and create a feedback loop, which helps your mind to come back to the present moment. This exercise can be shortened or lengthened until you notice you are feeling calmer. To shorten the exercise, just name three things you can see, hear and feel, and repeat until you feel calmer. To lengthen, name five things you can see, hear and feel, adding in smell and taste if appropriate and keep repeating until you feel calmer.\u201d <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For this exercise it does not matter whether you are breathing slowly, rapidly or in short bursts, just focus on your body and the space you are in. If you are looking for more mindfulness techniques, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLx5RMZtuxzUS6XD6r-jf6kcB5X2vRf6Uc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mind Matters video series on mindfulness and self-compassion practices. <\/a><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>Things to keep in mind  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Remind yourself that lockdowns and restrictions are temporary. Staying at home is not a punishment, it\u2019s to protect yourself and those around you by slowing the spread of the virus.<\/li><li>Take time to be grateful for the small things, such as sunshine or catching up with an old friend on the phone.<\/li><li>Focus on the things that you can help to control that will reduce the impact of COVID-19, such as maintaining your wellbeing with good nutrition, physical activity and enough sleep, good hand hygiene, practising social distancing, limiting negative news consumption and treating yourself and others with kindness.<\/li><li>Make time for activities you enjoy such as reading a good book, watching a new TV show or tending to your garden.<\/li><li>Above all, be kind to yourself.  <\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Seek support  <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>People with pre-existing mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of any new or worsening symptoms. If you need to talk to someone, reach out to a support service such as Lifeline (13 11 14), who provide 24-hour support to listen to how you are feeling and offer you information and advice.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you would like to hear more from Debra, we have recorded a<a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/resources\/webinar-looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> webinar <\/a>which is available on our YouTube channel, Lung Foundation Australia.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":5} -->\n<h5>We\u2019re here for you  <\/h5>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember our Information and Support Centre staff are available to connect you with resources and support services to help reduce the impact of COVID-19. Also keep an eye on our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\">website<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/lungfoundation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page<\/a> for COVID-19 information. Our Information and Support Centre is open Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Are you looking for more information about caring for your mental health and wellbeing?<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons {\"contentJustification\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\"><!-- wp:button -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/\">Visit our Mind Matters Information Hub<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->","post_title":"Mental impact of COVID-19","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"mental-impact-of-covid-19","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-06-29 10:10:55","post_modified_gmt":"2021-06-29 00:10:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=19135","menu_order":0,"post_type":"article","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8077,"post_author":"85","post_date":"2020-04-03 13:49:03","post_date_gmt":"2020-04-03 03:49:03","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Webinar filmed: March 2020 <br>Please note: this information in this resource was current at the time of release. As this is an evolving situation please check information from your local government website. <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Join Debra Sandford (Clinical Psychologist) to learn more about how to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the webinar Debra will touch on the feelings you may be having and will provide some tips on how to deal with these and stay connected to family and friends. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For further information contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/support-services\/support\/\">Information and Support Centre<\/a> on <a href=\"tel:1800 654 301\">1800 654 301<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Looking after your mental health during coronavirus","post_excerpt":"Join Debra Sandford (Clinical Psychologist) to learn about how to look after your mental health during COVID-19. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"webinar-looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-03-19 10:24:04","post_modified_gmt":"2021-03-19 00:24:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=8077","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":8673,"post_author":"112","post_date":"2020-05-13 15:07:48","post_date_gmt":"2020-05-13 05:07:48","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Webinar filmed: May 2020 Please note: this information in this resource was current at the time of release. As this is an evolving situation please check information from your local government website. <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>During COVID-19 it has been difficult for everyone to maintain their physical activity levels, especially with closures of gyms, pulmonary rehabilitation, and Lungs in Action. Join Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist, Janet Bondarenko to learn more about why it is important to stay active while in isolation and how to implement some easy tips to stay physically active at home. The webinar provides an overview of:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>Why is important to stay active <\/li><li>What type of physical activity you should be doing <\/li><li>Example exercises of each type of physical activity <\/li><li>How to maximise your incidental exercise <\/li><li>General tips to increase your strength over time <\/li><li>What household items you can use as equipment <\/li><li>How hard you should be exercising <\/li><li>How to exercise safely at home <\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you would like some examples of exercises that can be done at home, you can tune in to our Maintaining Movement series found <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/resources\/?user_category=31&search=Maintaining%20Movement\">here<\/a>. Before starting an exercise program, it is important to speak to your accredited exercise professional or doctor to ensure you are medically cleared to exercise.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Staying fit and strong at home during the pandemic","post_excerpt":"Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist, Janet Bondarenko, joins us for this session to discuss practical advice for staying fit and strong at home. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"webinar-staying-fit-and-strong-at-home-during-the-pandemic","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-03-19 10:26:24","post_modified_gmt":"2021-03-19 00:26:24","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=8673","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"form","heading":"Print resources","text":"Complete the form below to receive these resources as printable PDFs.","form":13},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg_content_area","heading":"","content":"<p>Mind Matters was part funded by a COVID Response Grant from MSD.<\/p>\n","link":""}],"subtitle":"Mind Matters","disable_header_overlay":false},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19053"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85465,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19053\/revisions\/85465"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19264"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}