COVID-19: managing mental health in community living

How to maintain good mental health when living in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks

We must look for ways to stay socially connected and look out for each other while remaining physically distant in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks

Life amidst COVID-19 can be stressful for many people, especially during mandatory isolation. However, if we stay socially connected through technology, we can practice the physical distancing that is required while maintaining mental health and wellbeing. In this article, we explore how to do this in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks.

Here are three ways you can encourage good mental health for yourself and those around you in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks and mandatory isolation:

1. Stay connected with those living around you
2. Be as active as possible
3. Prioritise your mental health

1. Stay connected with those living around you

If you are one of the many who live in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks, you’ll agree that living near your neighbours is one of the main perks — especially because proximity makes it that much easier to safely check in with your neighbours and look out for others.

There are many ways to check up on your neighbours when living in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks — however, you may need to be creative to avoid risking spreading the virus through physical contact.

If you have a notice board, try putting up your contact details to let people know you are there to talk or offer help. Encourage physically distant communication with each other to show support.

Always follow physical distancing regulations, use technology where appropriate, and leave goods at someone’s door if you are delivering something to them.

Think about setting up a Facebook group, WhatsApp, or digital conversation with those in your building as support. Here, you can ask if anyone would like a phone conversation, a favour, or check in with them via message. Remember to respect people’s privacy if they don’t feel comfortable participating.

2. Be as active as possible

Simple steps like remaining physically active can make a big difference to your well-being. Even something as simple as stretching can help.

Exercising in common areas isn’t the best idea in strata settings during COVID-19 outbreaks. Instead, you could consider going for a walk or exercising somewhere that doesn’t involve touching equipment or spending large blocks of time in common areas.

Make sure you remain active, follow a routine, and make time for doing things that give you enjoyment. For example, reading a good book is a great way to unwind, keeping a diary can help you relax, and eating healthy food will keep you feeling good and keep your immune system strong.

3. Prioritise your mental health

If you feel you need help, don’t hesitate to seek it. Here are some resources we recommend:

Articles:

• Australian Psychological Society:Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety
• Beyond Blue: Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
• WHO:Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak
• Guy Which for Ted: “I’m incredibly anxious about coronavirus”
• Dr Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap: How to respond effectively to the coronavirus

Free and easy to use mobile apps:

• Smiling Mind: free mindfulness meditation mobile app to help look after your mental health and manage stress
• Headspace: free Weathering the Storm program to help support communities through COVID-19. Weathering the Storm includes a list of meditations, sleep help, and at-home movement exercises

Crisis support and counselling:

• Lifeline– crisis counselling and suicide prevention services. Call: 13 11 14 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit Lifeline online chat
• Suicide Call Back Service– online and phone counselling if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Phone: 1300 659 467 or visit Suicide Call Back Service online chat
• Beyond Blue– online and phone mental health support. Call: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit Beyond Blue online chat
• Mindspot– free telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression and can help you find local services. Call 1800 61 44 34 (8am – 8pm, Monday – Friday; 8am-6pm, Saturday)