Navigating life through lockdown
Many are experiencing the likes of depression and anxiety for the first time in the face of uncertainty and Louise O’Brien has stepped forward to help navigate them through it.
A registered nurse, who has been involved with mental health and wellness for years, O’Brien had the idea in the pipeline for a while but with people struggling through coronavirus and not knowing what the future holds she thought it was an important service to provide.
‘‘I’m not superseding any of the fantastic services out there, it’s a support and companion service to everything else that is out there and it’s online.
‘‘Those GPs and nurses can’t always be on tap so it’s another voice in the community to offer help and referrals.’’
Consultations are free during the fourweek lockdown and done over the phone or online.
O’Brien offers navigation through difficult times such as families coming home with new babies, people managing illness, injury, or trauma, and those who may have job uncertainty or a career change due to Covid-19.
‘‘What do I do to manage my finances? Who have I got to support me through this change?
‘‘How can I make sure I’m futureproofing? Those are at the coal face now.’’
O’Brien had three simple tips for people feeling lost during lockdown.
Maintain your routine – get up, get dressed, have breakfast and start as you normally would.
Stay in touch – contact someone if you’re feeling you are slipping or the day is appearing to be overwhelming and you’ve noticed a change.
Keep to your normal healthcare plan – it could be going for a walk, doing something you love that brings you joy, or it could be you need your medication first thing in the morning.
She said it may just be the smallest encouragement people need such as pointing them in the right direction or just being a ‘voice in the wilderness’.
Louise O’Brien can be contacted via https://www.revitalizelife.co.nz/