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A disproportionate number of those who identify as LGBTIQA+ experience poorer mental health outcomes.

Although many LGBTIQA+ Australians live healthy and happy lives, research has shown that a number experience poorer mental health outcomes and have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers.

Technology plays a vital part in our day-to-day lives. Currently, research suggests that children are spending 50% more time on devices during the pandemic compared to before coronavirus. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Technology has many benefits and can provide valuable learning experiences and relaxation time. Guidelines suggest that infants should have no contact with devices, children aged 3-5 should have one hour per day, and children aged 6-18 be allowed 2 hours per day. On average, people are spending 4 times the amount of allocated time on devices, so be mindful of the amount of time spent.

Anger is one of the most recognisable and powerful emotions that we experience. It is a normal, healthy emotion that is useful as it can lead to change and assists in understanding yourself and your values. While rage rooms might be a fun way to feel good instantly, they are not helpful in the long-term and do not address the underlying cause of an individual’s anger. The best way to deal with anger is to find a healthy (non-aggressive) way to express it.

Seeing a psychologist can be a frightening thing for a child. It is important that they are involved in the conversation and understand what is happening and why. A great way to start is by telling a child that they are going to a safe space to meet a new friend and talk about their lives. Let younger children know that there will be activities and games and that they are not alone. For teens, remember that they are likely to be resistant to talk about their vulnerabilities. Be emotionally available for them and discuss therapy in a collaborative positive way.

If you’ve had recent difficulty falling asleep, you’re not the only one. Right now, it is easy to feel anxious and uncertain about the world and future. We frequently wake up to negative news stories and are adjusting to life in isolation. It is normal to lie awake in bed or wake up during the night and have difficulty falling back asleep. It is better to accept this than stress about it even more. These are truly unprecedented times and our bodies will respond in different ways. Every day is a chance to be kind to yourself and start fresh with you goals in mind. 

As we are limiting movement, many families are finding themselves home more often and interacting with their partners and children more than ever before. We are balancing many demands, including adults working and children learning from home. This can be very stressful; however, it is also an opportunity to bond as a family. We have a golden opportunity to connect and bond as a family that we did not have before. By focusing on family, we are modelling to our children how to cope in precarious situations and how to make the most of things.  

As adults it is easy to forget the excitement that comes from pretending or going on adventures that were only limited by your imagination. While the world is dealing with the impacts of the current pandemic, it is possible to forget how important play is. Children will not remember the specifics of coronavirus after it passes, however, they will remember how their home felt and how the people around them responded. In our stress, let’s not forget how significant an empty cardboard box, or unused piece of fabric can be in the imagination of a child.

Research has consistently shown that spending time in nature, including parks, mountains and beaches, greatly affects our physical and mental health. People who spend 2 hours a week in nature experience better psychological wellbeing and have greater perspectives of their life circumstances than those who spent less than 120 minutes in nature. While we are unable to travel to beautiful nature spots, and many of us are living in urban environments, we are still able to connect to nature.

To stay well in these trying times it is important we focus on our own mental health and that of our families. Our brains are the key to do this, by maintaining and increasing our “feel-good” brain chemicals. We can control the pathways in the brain. We can use our determination to build new pathways, and turn on existing pathways, as we adjust our behaviours. We have four main chemicals that result in good feelings.

Technology is now in all aspects of our lives in some way. As such, online therapy is popular with children and young people. Children use technology at school, to play games, and to communicate with friends. Adding online therapy to their routine is natural as they understand the technology and feel comfortable communicating through it.