PANDEMIC FATIGUE PLAGUING AUSSIES

We’re all over Covid, but pandemic fatigue is a real condition affecting people around Australia. Dr Sam Hay explains what to look out for and how to combat it.

If you’re waking up each morning dreading the day to come, you’re not alone. Whether you’re in a state that is in lockdown or not, many Aussies are suffering another condition thanks to Covid-19. Pandemic fatigue. It’s a real thing and it could be affecting you more than you think. Pandemic fatigue is a mental health condition. Sadness, dread, anger, frustration… people are experiencing pandemic fatigue in many different ways. While we can’t necessarily help the trigger right now, it’s important to identify the signs that you’re not coping in this current climate we’re stuck in. “Covid chaos is tough, really tough. It’s touching every single aspect of our lives. And if you think about it, we’re all experiencing lots of ‘micro-grief’ at the same time,” Dr Sam Hay said. “We’re grieving the loss of freedom, loss of going to a cafe, loss of seeing friends, of dancing, of going to the gym. Everything that’s suffering at the hands of Covid is causing little grief reactions in us. Then there are those who are suffering real proper grief lost business, jobs, finances, and loved ones.” To help combat these feelings of pandemic fatigue you should identify and practice self care strategies that work for you. Keep kids communicating. Let children know it’s OK to be worried, and talk it out.

Get sweaty, even if you don’t feel like it. Exercise is great for mental health. While we can follow some of these tips, Dr Sam said the key was to just keep things simple day-by-day.

“Don’t overthink it: Covid chaos sucks and it’s appropriate to feel stressed. Vent and bitch with people around you. Take every opportunity to get control over something no matter how minor it seems,” he said. Remember, if you are feeling like you’ve not coping, speak to your GP for advice or call a helpline to talk to someone.