Managing your mental wellbeing

With Queensland’s lockdown extended, it is vital people check in on themselves to help manage their mental wellbeing, said Lifeline Queensland.

The compounding effect of this lockdown against the challenges faced over the past 18 months is generating a wide range of emotions, including stress, fear, anxiety and overwhelm for people from all walks of life, explained Lifeline Queensland’s General Manager, Luke Lindsay.

“Right now, there’s a huge variety of impacts that people are experiencing; many people are trying to balance working from home with children around, which can be very stressful and chaotic,” Mr Lindsay said.

“For others, it’s the opposite, and they are isolated and feeling very alone, which can lead to feeling very low,” he said.

“Financial concerns weigh heavily, too, with businesses stressed with how they will cope and employees worried about losing work. Regardless of what impacts people are experiencing, it’s imperative to acknowledge how you’re feeling and take some steps to protect your mental wellbeing.

“Often, we place unfair expectations on ourselves, such as, ‘I should be coping’, where we do not acknowledge the challenging circumstances we are facing. So this week, I'd encourage everyone to practise a bit of self-compassion, which involves being kind to yourself, recognise that these are challenging times, it’s OK not to be feeling OK.  And while acknowledging your emotions is important, it's the next step of reaching out and implementing some changes that count.”

Mr Lindsay said self-care was different for everyone, but you can take some general practical steps, which will have a positive impact.

• Give yourself some positive feedback for all the things you are doing, give yourself praise as you do to others.
• Focus on fuelling your body with nutritious food.
• Reach out to friends and family, a conversation can be a mood booster.
• Find time to be active each day.

“And most importantly, remember you’re never alone. Lifeline is here for you. You can call 13 11 14 and know that there will be someone on the other end of the phone who will listen and support with compassion and without judgement,” Mr Lindsay said.

Lifeline is committed to ensuring our services continue as usual during this time, and we provide a free, safe, confidential service to discuss your concerns. Anyone who needs someone to talk to at any time can reach out to Lifeline crisis support through:

• 24/7 hour Lifeline telephone support call 13 11 14
• Lifeline Text, 12pm to midnight (AEST)
• Lifeline Chat, 7pm to midnight (AEST)

On Lifeline's website, Lifeline.org.au, Lifeline has developed a range of free Toolkits and factsheets to download, which will provide you with information and assistance during challenging times.

• Life Pressures
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Covid 19 Fact Sheet
• Coping with Sorrow, Loss and Grief
• Help for when you are feeling down
• Panic Attacks

UnitingCare delivers the 24-hour 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support line through 10 Lifeline centres – providing suicide prevention services with a non-judgemental and compassionate listening ear. It also provides Lifeline's disaster recovery program, Community Recovery, as well as individual and group support services.

For further information or interviews with Luke Lindsay, please contact: faith.jarvis@ucareqld.com.au or 0447 013 049