headspace offers COVID-19 coping strategies

March 27, 2020

Local headspace centres are offering tips and coping strategies for young people during this stressful time.

headspace Wollongong Service Manager Lynn Langhorn, says an event like the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be overwhelming for many people:

“We are all affected differently and it’s important we look after our mental health, particularly if we are feeling worried more than usual.”

“We are encouraging young people to reach out for support and also offering some tips to proactively manage their mental wellbeing during this time,” added Lynn.

Ron de Jongh, CEO of Grand Pacific Health, who are the lead agency for headspace Wollongong, Nowra, Goulburn and Bega, is encouraging people to stay connected:

 “It’s important we stay socially connected to loved ones even when we're physically apart.”

“We prefer using the phrase “physical distancing” instead of “social distancing,” because we need our social connections now more than ever,” added Ron.

headspace offers the following additional tips:

• Be mindful of exposure to information through stories, traditional and social media. It can be helpful to take a break from the 24-hour news cycle.
• Do things that make you feel physically and emotionally safe, and be with those who are helpful to your wellbeing
• Engage in activities that promote a sense of calm and feeling grounded (use of alcohol and other drugs can be counterproductive with this).
• Follow our seven tips for a healthy head space: get into life, learn skills for tough times, create connections, eat well, stay active, get enough sleep and cut back on alcohol and drugs.
• It can help to talk with a trusted adult if it all feels a bit much.
• We've been advised to stay at home where possible but staying at home doesn't mean we can't stay connected. It's important to stay in contact with loved ones during this time and we are fortunate we have so much technology at our fingertips enabling us to do so.
• Self-isolating or social distancing? Remind yourself that this is only temporary

 

Find out more here: bit.ly/2Q8OL9p

 

 

 

 

If you need help:

 

headspace Wollongong: 42 207 660

headspace Nowra: 44 215 388

headspace Goulburn: 48 244 944

headspace Bega: 1800 959 844

 To reach an eheadspace clinician and for more information go to www.eheadspace.org.au or call 1800 650 890.

For media opportunities please contact GPH Communications Manager Jemma Tribe on 0413 050 992

About headspace

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. headspace has 110 centres across Australia in metropolitan, regional and remote areas, as well as online and phone support services through eheadspace. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. Centre details, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, can be located on the headspace website: headspace.org.au.

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