Mental health and wellbeing in isolation

COVID has drastically changed day-to-day life and as a result, mental health-related issues have increased. Isolation, though necessary, can be a very lonely time, even when you are not isolating by yourself.

Both your physical and mental health are important to us, and we strongly encourage you to seek help if you are struggling mentally.

Completing quarantine in an unfamiliar environment can be a stressful event for many people. Some things that can help are:

  • Keeping, altering or making a new routine. Some things you can consider are: waking up and going to bed at a similar time each day, taking a shower and keeping up with personal hygiene, completing some exercise (see Keeping active page), eating healthy meals at regular times
  • Keeping socially connected by reaching out to family and friends.
  • Be mindful of your thoughts and self-talk. Consider what you would say to a friend in the same circumstances. While being in quarantine can be difficult, it can help to acknowledge that this moment will pass and identify something that you are grateful for today.
  • Practicing breathing exercises can help trigger feelings of relaxation when we have experienced stressful events. Meditation and journaling can also be helpful practices.
  • Taking a break from social media or the news for a day, or limit to one or two times per day.
  • Asking to talk to the Social Worker. Completing quarantine can be a very abnormal experience and it is common to experience feelings of stress and overwhelm.

Please ask your nurses for a session with the Social Worker who can provide some telephone counselling and explore some helpful coping strategies.

If you would like to speak to someone confidentially and urgently yourself, Lifeline offers 24/7 Crisis Support, and can be contacted on
13 11 14.

If you are low in mood, feeling anxious or unsettled and would like to speak to us, we are here to help. Some free, self-directed mental health resources we suggest are:

Beyond Blue – this is Australia’s most well-known mental health organisation. The resource linked is COVID-specific and for those who are struggling in the pandemic, including those in isolation.

You can also phone them on 1800 512 348

Head to Health – this is a government-affiliated resource with lots of helpful information, including suggestions on further support and resources, much of which is online if you prefer this mode.

Headspace is geared towards young people aged 12-25 and families and can provide online and telephone support for those in need.

If you have Spotify, this Guided Meditation playlist features guided meditation exercises, and paid-for apps such as Calm have even more self-directed exercises to help improve sleep quality and reduce stress/anxiety.

If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing to the point you feel suicidal and/ or feel an existing mental health condition is worsening significantly, please inform nursing staff and/or your treating doctor immediately. We can speak to the inpatient psychiatry team and allied health workers (e.g. social worker, psychologists) to help you as best they can.