At the beginning of 2020, Australians were reeling from one of the worst bushfire seasons on record. Many thought the ongoing recovery efforts from that crisis would define the year.
But then, the COVID-19 pandemic took hold throughout the world. And we saw the tragic events of the bushfire season overshadowed by the escalating pandemic.
Dr Betty Pfefferbaum and Dr Carol North are experts in the mental health impacts of disasters. Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine they explain how disasters, like the current pandemic, leave a trail of devastation. And the difficulties are not limited to loss of life, freedoms, and finances.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has alarming implications for individual and collective health and emotional and social functioning” they say.
You might be aware of the distress you’ve been feeling in the last few months. Or maybe you’ve felt ‘off’ and you’re not sure what’s wrong.
Here, you can discover what feelings to look out for and how to take steps to protect your mental health.
Disasters can impact your emotional and mental health. Some of the common feelings and behaviours that may appear during times of natural or health disasters include:
Many people have these feelings from time to time. However, some groups of people are more at risk during this pandemic:
But we may all have some reaction to the ever-changing restrictions, financial uncertainties and loss of connection with our normal routines and lifestyles.
Here are some ways to support your mental health during this pandemic.
Mental health struggles are to be expected during this pandemic. Health professionals are ready to support you.
And many government and community organisations are doing all they can to help us navigate and recover from the mental health challenges of the pandemic. If you seek help, you will get it.
You can find the comprehensive information about mental health support at Head to Health.
Seek help if you experience distress or any decline in your mental health over this period. Speak to someone you trust today or contact:
To speak with an InstantScripts GP:
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Level 8 / 637 Flinders St.,
Docklands VIC 3008