Let’s stay close

IT is nearly impossible not to feel some uncertainty, and a degree of fear, from what the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to our community. You can’t turn on the news or read social media without being confronted with international stories of panic and despair.

Knowing what has and is occurring overseas is important, as it gives our governments and health services the opportunity to learn and implement what works to control the virus’s impact. But having access to this endless information has a downside for us — it starts to dominate our lives. We read about it continuously, we search endlessly for answers. As we do, our fear and uncertainty build.

While we don’t know exactly what will happen, we do know that as a community our response to COVID-19 will impact all of us in ways we haven’t experienced before. As the days and weeks progress, there will be times when things seem out of our hands. More than ever, we will need to find and sustain our inner strength to cope with the challenges ahead. To do this, we all need to take charge of what is within our control.

Start by remembering that COVID-19 is not the only thing that’s contagious at the moment; so is kindness and compassion. We’ve all seen that panic can spread by a virus — the recent run on toilet paper is evidence enough of this — but it’s also true that we can each spread positivity in our community with patience, compassion and acts of kindness. Many of our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours will be struggling in the coming months. This virus will make many people very sick, and the downturn in economic activity will affect people’s livelihoods. Forgive easily, when things don’t go right, and express gratitude whenever you get the chance. This mindset of positivity will make a difference to your environment and how you feel.

One of the most challenging parts of controlling this virus is the concept of social distancing. We are being asked to keep our physical distance from each other — a vital step to controlling the spread of the virus.

But while we need to keep our distance, we should not let ourselves become distant from each other. Now more than ever we must actively work to maintain our social connections. Make an effort to call your friends more than you would previously. Organise a video catch-up. Check on people who are in self-isolation and offer them a helping hand however you can. Continue to be part of your community, and work on your goals. Most importantly, try to think of those most vulnerable to becoming socially isolated, especially our older neighbours, and check in on them too.

Doing these things will require effort and both physical and mental energy, so maintaining your energy levels is another important part of keeping on track and staying healthy. If you’re unsure what it is that energises you, just think back to the last time you were really well, physically and emotionally. What were you doing at this time? I would bet that for many of you it was regular exercise, good sleep, eating well and interacting with your friends. So make these activities a priority now, each and every day, and make sure you prioritise things that help you relax and unwind. Constantly reading about the virus won’t help. Listening to music, reading a book, going for a run, and looking after yourself physically — these things will.

Finally, take the time to reflect on why you do what you do, and the contribution this makes to the community. Twelve years ago, I joined Barwon Health because I wanted to make a difference to the Geelong region and the people we serve. When I ask the dedicated members of our mental health team why they are here, they share the same goal. We want our community to be healthier and happier. I imagine this is the same for most people in our society — we all contribute to making our community what it is and we all support each other in one way or another. The healthcare field has an extra responsibility as we respond to COVID-19, with many looking to us for guidance and support. I believe there has never been a better opportunity to use our training and expertise to lead people through this experience.

At Barwon Health, we will have to do some things differently for a while, including relying more on telehealth and telephone contact than before. But our commitment to our community, and doing this important work, will not falter.

At times it will be hard, and things won’t always go perfectly. But if we keep focused on working towards achieving a united goal, we will find our way through this difficult period. Like all great tests we face in life, the COVID-19 pandemic will pass. We don’t know how long it will take, but we do know we can meet any challenge if we work together, stay calm, look out for others, and — of course – wash our hands!

Associate Professor Steve Moylan is clinical director of Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services (MHDAS).