No matter who you are or where you’re from we are all finding ourselves in a truly unique situation of a globally shared journey and challenge. COVID-19 has impacted everyone around the world, there isn’t a place or person it hasn’t affected in some way.  Although it’s definitely a scary and uncertain time we have also learnt just how important it is to connect and practice self-care.

We may not be able to hug our family, have a coffee with friends or stroll around without shouting to be heard from behind masks and 1.5 metres of social distancing, but we have learned to connect in other ways. 

Two examples that come to mind are the scenes we saw in the earlier stages of COVID-19 in Italy. Exercise classes and singalongs happened on balconies around the country. The community found ways to connect that they may not have ever done before. 

Another example was during Melbourne’s first period of isolation when one night the CBD rang with the sounds of pots clanging, people cheering and flashlights shone. This was a moment to pay our gratitude to our frontline and essential workers and at that moment we were all truly united.

These are extremely uncertain times and it’s now that the importance of connection is being realised. We are also more aware of the impact uncertainty and isolation can have on our mental health. 

As someone who experiences long periods of isolation as it is, and as someone whose main group of friends also live with chronic illness and disability, I can see that, in a way, people like myself have been given an advantage. One of knowing tips and tricks for dealing with periods at home, of being aware of the signs that we may be struggling, of being connected with professionals such as psychologists to work through these moments, and being armed with the knowledge of the importance of saying “I’m not ok”. 

We had a bit of a joke going that really we’d been prepping for this our whole lives (we are a bit of a dark humorous bunch) but we were also vastly aware that this struggle to balance self-care, connection and mental health was a secondary battle the world was facing.

So I’d like to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learnt over the years and during this period as well:

1.  Connect! Whether it be a Zoom dinner, gaming night or anything in between, connect. Make sure to check in with people you know, keep connected and reiterate to those you connect with that it’s ok to reach out.

2.   For those without internet go old school! Have the kids draw some pictures for their grandparents, pick up the phone, shout across to the neighbours over the road. Sometimes it’s good to disconnect from devices and connect in other ways.

3. Get crafty! Art, games, books and music. There’s so much out there to discover whilst also staying inside. Have you always wanted to learn to yodel? Go for it, now’s your time to shine and holler! 

4. Animals. My assistance dog has never worked so hard whilst simultaneously not working! Even though he may be snoring at my feet he is there and for someone living by themselves those cuddles, hilarious looks, personality and presence can be so important. There are many animals looking for temporary housing or forever homes. So if you’ve always wanted a dog, cat, ferret, rabbit or snake! Now there’s time to train, learn and spoil them rotten...in moderation of course. 

5. It’s ok to not be ok. We are all going through stressful times right now and there will be many out there who may not have dealt with the likes of depression, anxiety, high stress or isolation before. Even for those well versed in the likes of living with mental illness, this is new territory. Remember to look after yourself, utilise friends, support networks, self-care, good food and exercise. 

Also, remember there are hotlines and professionals out there who can assist you as well. It isn’t a shameful thing to know when you may need a helping hand.

We are all in this challenge together in one way or another so remember you aren’t alone and as much as this may be something that we live, adapt and learn through for some time yet, it is one that we are all facing together!

Australia: 

Beyond Blue - https://beyondblue.org.au

Suicide Hotline - 13 11 14

National Coronavirus Helpline - https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-coronavirus-helpline 

New Zealand: 

Suicide Crisis Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.nz

Depression and Anxiety Helpline: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202

National Coronavirus Information: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-nov...

About the writer

Jess Cochran is a 29-year-old from Melbourne. Jess lives with physical and psychosocial disabilities as well as chronic illness. Jess is a writer, performing artist, actress, model, and disability advocate. 

She hopes that her continued involvement with advocacy, writing and the performing arts will help break down the barriers that performing artists with disabilities face when trying to access work, training and performance spaces.