Managing mental health and wellbeing: COVID-19

Maintaining emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak

During times of extreme stress it is important as a healthcare worker that you practice self-care and remember this will allow you to keep caring for others. renurse-window_paint-(5).jpg

Exercise, diet, emotional connection, and sleep are the foundations of mental health and wellbeing. These are often the first things to be neglected during times of stress. It is important to think of ways to maintain each of these.
Managing stress and taking breaks is important. There are a range of apps and online websites that might be helpful for you, to learn relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques, which may help you manage stress e.g. www.smilingmind.com.au or www.moodgym.com.au
Take a walk where you can, maintaining adequate social distance from others. Listen to music, read a book, or talk with a friend on the phone. Taking care of YOU is vital to be able to sustain taking care of others.
Support your colleagues. Compliments and kindness are important ways of managing stress in the workplace.
Stay updated through your Health Systems but limit media exposure as this can increase stress and impact wellbeing.

Further Sources of Information and Support:

World Health Organisation – Coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak – https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_8
US Department of Veterans Affairs has information for managing stress during COVID-19 for HCW: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID19ManagingStressHCW032020.pdf

Managing patients’ anxiety

Remember we are all feeling a degree of uncertainty, but it is important to reassure patients that together we can support each other and get through this.

Reassure patients that it is normal to be anxious and worried at a time like this. People experience anxiety differently. Some people find it hard to concentrate, others feel irritable and can even appear angry. Understanding this may help patients manage their anxiety and stress and increase our compassion for each other.
Highlight people’s strengths by talking about past difficult times and how those were managed.
While physical distancing is important, maintaining emotional connections is vital. Encourage patients to find safe ways to do this.
Some people may turn to alcohol or smoking as a way of coping with stress. Encourage patients to try to use alternative coping strategies instead.
Focus on what patients can control. Talk to patients about what they are consuming online and suggest perhaps limiting their time on social media regarding COVID-19.
Provide examples of useful websites such as https://moodgym.com.au or https://www.smilingmind.com.au where people can learn relaxation and meditation techniques.

Further Sources of Information and Support:

Beyondblue – Looking after your mental health during the corona virus outbreak – https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak
World Health Organisation – Coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak – https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_8

Managing patients with pre-existing and current mental health issues

Some patients with mental health issues may experience high levels of distress. Looking after and prioritising mental wellbeing is very important at times of increased stress.

Exercise, diet, emotional connection, and sleep are all important for mental health and wellbeing. These are often the first things to be neglected during times of stress. It is important to speak with patients and think of ways to maintain each of these.
Ensure patients know how to access accurate, up to date information and correct misinformation.
Ask patients if they have sufficient supplies of their medications and repeat scripts.
Some patients with mental health issues may be more vulnerable to negative messages in the media. Ask how they are feeling and if they have noticed any impact on their general mood.
Consider the need for assessment if a patient reports changes to their mental health, such as increased anxiety or sleep disturbance, or other symptoms of relapse.

Contact details

Women and Infants Research Foundation
Carson House, King Edward Memorial Hospital
374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008

Telephone: 08 6458 1437
Fax: 08 6458 1642
Email: info@wirf.com.au

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Managing mental health and wellbeing: COVID-19

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