World Mental Health Week: Beyond Blue supports transition to co-existing with COVID

This World Mental Health Week, Beyond Blue is promoting ways we can support our mental health and wellbeing as Australia shifts towards living with COVID.

As COVID restrictions begin easing across the country, Beyond Blue is reassuring people it may take time to regroup and adjust to co-existing with COVID.

“From World Mental Health Day on Sunday and throughout next week, Beyond Blue will be sharing online resources about a range of subjects including managing social anxiety, supporting children and re-opening your business during the pandemic,” Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said.

“You can find the resources at the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service, which is available 24/7 right around Australia, at no cost.”

She said the CMWSS was available to everyone, no matter their circumstances – there was no issue too big or small.

“These changes will affect all of us in different ways – we’re all moving at their own pace and Beyond Blue is here to support everybody through the transition,” Ms Harman said.

Beyond Blue Lead Clinical Adviser Dr Grant Blashki said it was common to experience that people’s concerns about COVID-normal life will depend on their circumstances.

“For some people, this next phase is exciting, for others it might be stressful or worrying, for others still it might be a bit of both. There’s no right or wrong way to feel,” Dr Blashki said.

“When planning your return, take it one step at a time, give yourself a chance to adjust and accept that seeing people face-to-face again may feel a little exhausting at first.”

Beyond Blue has published a range of practical information on the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service website to support people during the transition to living with COVID:

• Managing social anxiety as we adapt to COVID-normal life
• How to help children and young people adjust to the ‘new normal’
• Managing your child’s transition back to school
• Strategies for transitioning back into the workplace after coronavirus
• Back to work: how to manage reopening your business