Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health During COVID-19

GUEST POST: Steven Gamble, Founder, Man Anchor

Social distancing does not equate to social isolation, just like in more positive times staying connected and communicating with friends and family is key to supporting positive mental health.

Tip: Be creative in how you connect with friends and family like virtual coffee or drinks.

The power of exercise is truly amazing and is key to a healthy mind. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins.

Tip: Physical exercises such as a 15 minute walk or yoga.

It is important to stay connected to information regarding the pandemic however we need to be mindful that constant barrage of negative media can have a negative effect on you and your family’s mental health. The continuous feed of information can cause distress and anxiety which will impact your ability to think in a proactive manner.

Tip: Set yourself a time (once or twice) in the morning and evening to watch the news.

Mental illness effects a person’s thinking, emotional state, behaviour and physical wellbeing. If these changes and symptoms last longer than a few weeks or impact the person’s ability to function or carry out daily activities, it is recommended that they seek professional support.

Tip: Having open and transparent conversations about the impact of the pandemic can allow you to identify subtle changes in your own and others mental health.

Like most health-related illness early intervention is the key to preventing someone becoming unwell and this is the same with your mental health. The easiest place to start is reach out to your friends and family, together you can seek the support of a health professional such as your local GP.

​Resources & Crisis Support

In an emergency call 000.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 65 94 67 or https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36 or https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Mens Line: 1300 78 99 78 or https://mensline.org.au

Don’t Forget: Download Your Free Poster

Man Anchor has created a Free A3 poster of these COVID-19 support tips that you can print out and display in your office or home. Click here to download your poster.

Further Information

If you’d like further details, or are keen to run a mental fitness program at your organisation, contact Donna South (National Manager Membership & Marketing, Weld Australia) on d.south@weldaustralia.com.au or 0409 609 031. Weld Australia has partnered with Man Anchor and Gotcha4Life to help build the mental fitness of Australia’s welders.