On any given day we are subject to Covid 19 information overload from:
TV and radio reports and interviews.
The internet.
Government press releases.
Newspaper articles.
Friends and Family.
Social media.
Emails, texts, etc.
It becomes hard to find a place where the subject of Covid 19 has not invaded.
The Covid 19 information overload is different in as much it is laced with survival dialogue, which gives it a fear based dimension.
The Covid 19 information overload can give rise to:
Feelings of being overwhelmed.
Confusion – it is hard sometimes to know what information is correct.
Fear and Anxiety relating to yourself and family members. This is usually based on fear of the unknown ie “what if ….thinking”
Feelings of vulnerability as one realises they do not have their usual control over their lives.
Anger: It is common to escape into anger rather than sitting with the painful feelings.
Frustration that your usual ‘go to’ activities are no longer available to you.
Insecurity about future physical and financial survival.
Sadness about the disconnection from friends, family and things.
Grief & Loss.
The range of feelings can be exacerbated by the situation changing day by day.
It is important to find the right type of support, this may change as time passes.
Some Useful tips to keep grounded:
Take a break from the 24hour news cycle.
Stay connected to family and friends.
Create a new exercise routine.
Engage with home projects that have been put on hold.
Eat nutritional foods.
Spend time with pets and in nature if possible.
Talk to a professional support person such as a counsellor, GP, trusted adult etc
We are here to support you however, the following support services are available in a crisis if you feel unable to cope because of overwhelming or intense emotions:
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Additional youth support services
Headspace: visit headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
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