{"id":19135,"date":"2021-06-15T10:48:58","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T00:48:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=19135"},"modified":"2021-06-29T10:10:55","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T00:10:55","slug":"mental-impact-of-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/blog\/mental-impact-of-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental impact of COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tips for living with lung disease and lung cancer in \u2018new normal\u2019 <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\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>– Debra Sandford, Clinical Psychologist<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Coping with self-isolation and social distancing <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Maintain perspective  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Limit media intake  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Follow government advice  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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 health.gov.au<\/a>.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and wellbeing  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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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<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Living with others in lockdown <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

“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>– Anonymous, living with lung cancer. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Set rules and boundaries  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Connect  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

The five senses exercise  <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n