Breaking down the barriers
“WE are all in this together” is a phrase that rings true for members of the Wellington Health Mental Health Support Group whose primary aim is to help others.
Co-founders Amanda Hilleary and Ron Goninan (pictured) said the group is an avenue for people who suffer from any form of mental health. They can come together to share their experiences, make friends with like-minded people and escape narrow-minded attitudes.
“The aim is to support those in Wellington and surrounds who suffer from mental illnesses, giving them an avenue in which they can talk with others who also suffer from the illness without judgement and the usual stigma some attach to mental health issues within the community,” Miss Hilleary said.
Their aim is to push for wider acceptance of mental health, and to offer a support network which is also open to carers.
Miss Hilleary described the group as vital and much-needed especially during these troubled times with the isolation that COVID-19 places upon people within the community.
“We aim to let all know people know they are not alone in this,” she said.
“Know that you can be part of something truly positive for the local Wellington community and can feel free to reach out, talk and know that there are people out there.”
NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief) NSW clinical manager Kerrie Noonan said stress during times of uncertainty can lead to or indicate poor mental health.
“There’s been a lot of adjustment to working from home. We think it’s easy but the social interaction from workmates and clients is important.
“Stress is one of the key things,” she said.
Changes to normal routine and behaviour are also signs there may be something wrong.
“The things you need to watch out for are the same as you normally would – changes to sleep patterns. It’s important to keep bedtime routines up. Drinking and eating more or less, becoming withdrawn, quiet, not engaging in activities with the household.”
Dubbo Grow group organiser Leonie Musgrove said fear, anxiety, depression and paranoia become more prevalent during times of isolation as negative thought patterns work their way into our minds if we expose ourselves to an overload of information on disasters.
Grow Australia is a community-based mental wellness program.
“The Grow program is not just a quick fix as it addresses isolation through weekly meetings and it equips people by tackling one small problem at a time.
“When there are extraordinary circumstances in our lives, we learn from the experience of others who have been in Grow longer by utilising the resources that are available.
“I have seen some helpful advice from professionals being shared on the internet about how to best cope with the isolation. Most people like to be around other people but there are probably a few people who are relishing having time to themselves that they don’t usually have.
“There are plenty of mental health websites and hotlines these days. Never be ashamed of having to use them as they have been created for that very purpose.” Leonie’s isolation tips:
With many people staying at home right now, we have the chance to be friendly and helpful to our neighbours, especially the elderly, disabled or lonely. Offers of genuine help are usually not needed but to know that it is there can mean the difference between hope and hopelessness to someone who is feeling quite alone.
Stay in touch with friends and family especially the positive ones. This could go on for some time.
Only listen to the information you need to know from the media and don’t have the news going day and night. Talk to ourselves positively. The weather is beautiful today so I can garden, go for a walk, take the dog for a walk, ride my bike and not feel so sluggish etc, using hopeful and cheerful language.
Live one day at a time.
Live in the present moment, not the future or past. Be aware of things around you that you can touch, taste, see, smell and hear.
Let time pass. Enjoy the difference in routine and take advantage of time you may not normally have to yourself to read that book or do that project that you have been longing to do.
If you are bored, there is always some kind of housework to be done. It doesn’t have to be done all at once. One small job at a time will get it done and it will give you a sense of satisfaction too.
Get a takeaway; thankfully we still can.
Have some fun, play board games, do a puzzle, do some baking (yum), listen to music, have a laugh.
Be patient with others. It is times like these we need patience the most.
Keep your sense of humour. We can get through this miserably or joyfully.
Remember the government has our best interests at heart – they are saving many lives.
Help is at hand
Wellington Health Mental Health Support Group:
Amanda Hilleary, 0413 911 506 or email: amandamhilleary@gmail.com
Ron Goninan, 0432 792 125 or email: rongoninan2@dodo.com.au
NALAG NSW: 6882 9222 or www. nalag.org.au
Grow support: www.grow.org.au
NSW Grow Office on 1800 558 268
The New South Wales Mental Health Hotline in times of crisis is 1800 011 511.