Keep your mental health and wellbeing top of mind as Victoria goes into a 7-day snap lockdown.
President of the RANZCP, Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, has urged those affected by the lockdown to take care of themselves and their loved ones during this time, and to seek professional help if needed.
‘With Melbourne having experienced lengthy lockdowns in 2020 and subsequent snap lockdowns, it is vital that we keep our mental health in mind as we face another lockdown’, explained Associate Professor Lakra.
‘The most important thing is that we all stay connected, keep up normal routines, continue with the things that help you relax, and stay in touch with (and check in on) family members and friends via telephone, email or social media – we are all in this together.
‘We know that since the pandemic hit, higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress have been reported in the general population.
‘The public health measures to contain the virus do have psychological impacts. Pre-existing anxiety and other mental health conditions can get worse. You might feel more distress, an increase in symptoms or a relapse of an existing condition.
‘Anyone experiencing mental health symptoms should seek help, whether you are managing an existing condition, or the symptoms are new. Telehealth continues to be an option to seek help from health professionals.
‘If you have very strong feelings of worry, unease or fear and you are struggling to cope it is important to seek the right support, information and help – effective treatments are available.’
For all the latest government information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit www.health.gov.au or www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au