Three actions to enhance and protect your mental wellbeing during and after COVID-19

COVID-19 has changed how we live, work and connect with family and friends. This can make us feel distressed and overwhelmed. Understanding our stress response and learning simple techniques to calm distressing emotions and change negative thoughts, can help us feel more in control and less stressed. Learning and practising these techniques before you experience distress can help you stay well during and after COVID-19.

1. Understand the stress response

When we are faced with a stressful situation our heart beats faster, our breathing is quicker, our muscles tense up and we find it difficult to concentrate. This stress, or ‘fight or flight’, response is how we have evolved to react quickly to dangerous situations to keep safe.

Sometimes this response can stay activated even though it is no longer helpful. When this happens, it can be difficult to wind down and think clearly. We may also experience distressing emotions and negative thoughts.

Understanding this can be helpful in learning how to manage distress.

Find out more about the stress response in this 90-second video by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (the first video at this link): www.recoveryonline.org.au/managing-emotions

2. Calm distressing emotions

Often, the best ways to manage distressing emotions are the simplest.

Most people take fast, shallow breaths when they are feeling worried or anxious. A good way to help calm distressing emotions is to practise controlled breathing where you take slow, deep breaths. This can help calm your mind and body, so you feel in control and are able to think more clearly.

Watch this 1-minute video and try the controlled breathing tool by High Res, on the Open Arms website: www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/physical/controlled-breathing

Another way to help manage distressing emotions is to practise grounding or mindfulness. This allows you to connect to what is happening right now, and be more aware of what you can see, hear and feel. This can help you develop a calmer mind and build resilience to stress.

Watch this 2-minute video and try the guided grounding tool by High Res, on the Open Arms website: www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/physical/guided-grounding

3. Replace negative thoughts

Negative thoughts can make anxiety worse. These thoughts can stop us from thinking well and enjoying life. Try not to dwell on negative thoughts and instead focus on what you are doing at present.

Try the ‘stop and swap thoughts’ tool by High Res, on the Open Arms website: www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/self-help-tools/show-all-tools/thoughts/stop-and-swap-thoughts

Stay informed but access only trustworthy and accurate COVID-19 information. Good sources include:

• the Australian Government DVA Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) information website at: www.dva.gov.au/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-information
• the Australian Government Department of Health website at: www.health.gov.au

Aim to recognise and acknowledge what went well during each day. It could be something as simple as walking around the block and enjoying being outside. Taking time to acknowledge these things helps to reduce stress and improve physical health.

4. Maintain healthy routines

Stay connected with family and friends, via email, phone or video to minimise loneliness and help think positively.

Engage in physical activity each day to gain the positive effects it has on your mental wellbeing. Don’t forget to ensure that you maintain physical distancing as per your state government’s policy.

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid using alcohol to reduce stress to help maintain your mental wellbeing.

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