Tate Papworth
It’s ok to feel alone and anxious, especially during these strange times.
In fact if you ask leading doctor and psychiatry resident Kieran Kennedy, it’s incredibly normal.
Dr Kennedy said that as Melbourne moves through its second lockdown period, many will feel overwhelmed and isolated.
“The mental health impacts of this lockdown have been significant and we’re starting to see this trickle through,” he said.
“People are struggling with mood, anxiety and other things, which is perfectly normal.
“We’ve just entered an extended period of lockdown again and people are feeling like that light at end of tunnel has been snatched away.”
While we may not be able to control government decisions, Dr Kennedy said simple things can do wonders for your mental health.
“One of the big things I’ve been talking about is routine,” Dr Kennedy said.
“It sounds so simple, but it really has a signifcant impact on mental health.
“If you’re working from home, continue getting up as you would for work, shower at the same time, find jobs around the house… plot these things ahead of time and keep them as a schedule”
While a schedule works wonders, Dr Kennedy also encouraged people to “switch it up”.
“If you had an event like a dinner or movie night with friends, don’t cancel it and spend the night at home by yourself, switch it up.
“Watch the movie over Zoom or Facetime with each other, keeping that social interaction up is very important.”
There are many things we can do to improve our mental health, but one of the most important is knowing when it’s time to seek help.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeling these things, but if you’re asking if you’re handling it as well as you could, or wondering if you should get some help, then that’s a bit of a red flag that it’s time to reach out,” Dr Kennedy said.
“There’s also other subtle signs such as not enjoying things usually do, flat on energy, keeping up work feeling difficult, and obvious ones like thoughts of self harm.”
Dr Kenendy urged anyone who may need help to reach out to their local GP or mental health bodies.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
