Paul Bibby
Caring for and protecting our physical bodies is obviously crucial during the COVID-19 crisis, but we need to take care of our mental health as well.
That’s the message from Counselling and Psychological Telehealth Services, a national counselling and psychology network which provides support via phone, Skype and online.
The organisation says that COVID-19 is having a significant psychological impact across the community, particularly in terms of health-related anxiety.
This includes hypervigilance and fear about the risk of becoming infected or transmitting the virus to others in one’s family or social networks, fear of the potential health incomes of testing positive for oneself or a loved one, and fear of the impact of the virus on family members who are elderly or have pre-existing health conditions.
Another source of significant anxiety are financial concerns, including concern about ongoing employment, debt, child care and uncertainty about the economy more generally.
Some are also distressed about the prospect of extended periods of self-isolation and quarantine – particularly those with pre-existing mental health conditions.
‘Life Supports has mobilised our network to ensure our 100-plus telehealth counsellors and psychologists are available to support clients via phone, Skype and Zoom,’ the CEO of Life Supports Mahlia Price said.
‘We’re providing a central point for anyone in Australia to access immediate support in relation to the psychological and mental health impacts of COVID-19.
‘We will continue to provide a range of telehealth services whilst the nation is impacted by this pandemic.’
All Life Supports counsellors and psychologists have been briefed in:
• Effective management of anxiety in relation to COVID-19
• How COVID-19 is impacting existing psychological conditions
• Strategies for looking after mental health and family relationships in the context of social distancing
For more information about the service, go to https://
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