Unfortunately lockdowns are continuing across Australia. We are all facing the challenges of prolonged uncertainty. Some of us are wondering when we will return to “normal life” and many of us have questions about the long term effects on family and work.
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If you’re in Victoria, it’s understandable if you are feeling upset, anxious or frustrated by news of another lockdown.
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Taking care of your mental and physical health is now more important than ever, as the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 brings increased stress and anxiety. It’s easy to feel out of control and get caught up in the pressures of life – from adapting to all the changes occurring in the world. However simple steps, like taking a short moment out of your day to focus on your own mind and body, can help to reduce stress.
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Nexus Psychologist, Amelia Twiss and Ryan Ng, from TalentIdentify, discuss how people with different personality styles might be responding to working from home due to Covid-19 and how managers can best support their team more effectively.
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At the moment things are changing quickly and there can be a lack of clarity. Here are 3 Tips for managing remote teams during Covid19.
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Article from Vicsport
Recognising the need to tackle mental health, the Burwood Uniting Canterbury Cricket Club (Burwood Bulls) are providing a support network to their members through a player welfare program called WINGS.
The Bulls pride themselves on being a family friendly club and with the realisation that many members were suffering mental health struggles, either openly or behind closed doors, the Bulls took inspiration from Hawthorn Amateur Football Club’s (HAFC) WINGS program.
“On our end of season trip, a member of the Bulls spoke about a program that Hawthorn had set up which completely altered the fabric of their club,” said Bulls Player Welfare Manager, Alex Barr.
“That really inspired us to implement a similar program at Burwood. We received some assets and contacts from HAFC to get us started and we then sought our own sponsors to get the necessary funds for the program to get off the ground.”
The Bulls received grants from the Surrey Hills and Canterbury Bendigo Bank branches which assisted with setting up the program as well as paying for promotional tools such as posters, R U OK? booklets and flyers that explain ways to assist those dealing with mental health struggles.
Barr also contacted local psychologists and set up an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Nexus Psychology which provides all members and their immediate family three complimentary and confidential sessions with Nexus.
“Our club does consist of a lot of older men and historically, that demographic has required a bit of a push,” he said.
“So, this is a way to encourage them to seek help if necessary and to do so without a financial burden.”
“Alex’s call came out of the blue but after talking to him about the program, I was impressed with the initiative and keen for Nexus to help,” said Dori Kabillo, Nexus Psychologist.
“The thing that sets us apart from other psychology services is our detailed matching service. With every new client, we discuss their struggles and goals and together we assess which psychologist at Nexus, who all have their specific areas of expertise, is the right fit. Our EAP is organised confidentially and any invoices that are supplied are done so anonymously.”
Beyond those initial three sessions, the Bulls are determined to provide further assistance to their members when necessary.
“If a player feels they require more sessions, they can come to the club and we will find a way to continue to get them help,” said Barr.
“We will always find a way; it is not a consideration to say we cannot help beyond those three sessions.”
In her experience, Kabillo has seen that the mere presence of a service likes WINGS can pay dividends, regardless of whether members take up the offer.
“Organisations should be aware a program like WINGS may not instantly create a rush and they will not find themselves inundated with invoices,” she said.
“We have found the installation of this type of program is beneficial as it shows the club cares and is looking out for members’ wellbeing. The fact that the opportunity is there makes a real difference.”
“I recently had a club member reach out to me about WINGS and he noted that without the program he wouldn’t have addressed the issue,” added Barr.
“The conversation is alive at the Bulls about making sure our friends and club mates are ok and to ensure that there is a program in place if they are struggling.”
After that first step is taken, Kabillo says it is important to maintain contact with the individual seeking help and to follow up in the ensuing days.
“I always implore people that if someone does confide in them, it is important to follow up,” she said.
“Whether that means noting it down in your calendar or writing a sticky note for yourself, following up in the next few days and asking how that person is coping shows you have been listening and are continuing to care about their mental health.
“But we know that once an individual opens up about their struggles, the effects can be almost immediate.
“The healing process begins as soon as you start talking about that thing you may have been ignoring or that has been troubling you. By the time someone has rung us and booked an appointment, they are already feeling a sense of relief.”
Barr has seen first-hand the positive effect that WINGS has had and is now planning on expanding the program with guest speakers, more resources and themed events at the club.
“If the Bulls have helped even just one person through this program then it has already been a success.”
For further information on WINGS and advice on how to set up a similar program, contact Alex Barr on 0425 727 146. Nexus Psychology can be contacted on 9500 0751 or at intake@nexuspsychology.com.au. Please note the Nexus Psychology offices are closed between December 20 – January 2.
Almost half of us will experience some kind of mental struggle in our lives. Less than half of those will ever seek help, but it’s not just when we’re sick that we can use support.
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Article written by Sally Websiter
More than 7 people take their own life every day in Australia.
This is a devastating fact but it’s one the R U Ok charity is working to change.
R U Ok Day is an annual event and a national initiative to help prevent suicide by encouraging communication and connecting with others. Sadly and astoundingly, suicide is the main cause of death in Australia for both males and females between the ages of 15-44. So it’s understandably a very difficult and sensitive topic for many of us to talk about and something we don’t like to think about.
People who choose to end their life, generally do so because they:
R U Ok is working to change this feeling of isolation by encouraging friends, family and colleagues to reach out if they notice someone isn’t themselves and ask the question, ‘Are you okay?’
By starting a conversation, we can help others who may be vulnerable or at risk to feel supported and appreciated before they begin to entertain contemplations of suicide.
Noticing Warning Signs Our busy, self-consumed lives mean we sometimes may not notice the warning signs that someone is in distress or perhaps suffering from a mental health condition. It is often true that people may not even realise it themselves. Warning signs to look out for include:
By recognising such changes in behaviour, others can engage, respond and talk to the person who appears vulnerable as a way of showing they care.
Simply Connecting Reaching out interpersonally is a great way to engender connectedness on a community level. It is certainly a great benefit to those who may be feeling vulnerable to have others show interest. The simple fact of being noticed goes a long way towards heightening one’s sense of self-worth and diminishing feelings of isolation.
But what do you say when you are concerned that someone is at risk?
Having an Honest Conversation Starting a conversation – especially about suicide, isn’t easy and it’s okay to be concerned about how the person will react. You may be afraid it will exacerbate the person’s vulnerability, however experts say that mentioning suicide is unlikely to make a vulnerable person feel worse and it’s a question you may need to ask.
To make the conversation a little easier, we’ve come up with some helpful suggestions below:
If you feel this conversation is too difficult for you to handle on your own, make sure you let someone else know who may be in a better position to help. Don’t feel you need to hold the burden of secrecy all on your own. Remember – Safety comes first – even if it means breaching confidentiality.
Become Involved You can help spread awareness of suicide prevention and mental health in your workplace or community by hosting an R U Ok event. It might be a morning tea, sausage sizzle or a game of soccer. It’s also a great way to help raise money for the cause. You can register here to receive an event pack with useful resources and also purchase a range of merchandise to support your event.
R U Ok Day will be held this year on Thursday the 13th September 2018. Suicide is an issue that’s among us all the time, so we should connect with others and support them every day. You can find out the latest information about R U Ok here. The conversation starts with just one simple question but it can have a powerful impact.
If you or someone you know would like to speak to a qualified psychologist, please call us on (03) 9500 0751 or email intake@nexuspsychology.com.au for further information. We’re here to help you. Please also note the helpful resources below.
Lifeline (Call 13 11 14)
Sources of Information
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/suicide-prevention
http://www.conversationsmatter.com.au/resources-community/someone-thinking-about-suicide