Looking out for your neighbours
Are you feeling anxious about COVID-19? It is understandable. Many Queenslanders are feeling concerned, especially with the overwhelming amount of negative news and conflicting information in the media.
Now more than ever, it is important for us to check on our neighbours and people in our communities, particularly those that are more vulnerable. People living alone, older people, people with disability and people with existing medical conditions, those new to an area or from another country are not only more susceptible to coronavirus, but also at more risk of experiencing loneliness due to isolation. According to an article by Relationships Australia, research shows that loneliness is as bad for us as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It’s a major risk factor for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Social connections and support in communities are more important than ever. However, like many other areas in your life, you may need to adjust how you socially connect with others to ensure you are still practicing precautionary measures to flatten the curve.
Avoid loneliness while avoiding infections
There are number of ways you can socially connect with those in your community during social distancing.
Phone calls
Phone calls are a lovely way to provide a comfort and intimacy that text-based communication can lack.
Video calls
With a vast number of video calling platforms out there (FaceTime, Skype, Zoom etc), it has never been easier to facilitate video calls. Just ensure the person you are calling has the knowledge on how to use your chosen platform and has the program downloaded.
Check in with a text
Texting is one of the most convenient ways to keep in touch. Whether you are sending a funny meme or having a lengthy conversation, texting is quick, easy and is a simple reminder to your loved ones that you are thinking of them.
Group chats
There are many messaging apps available that enable you to create group conversations (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts etc). Again, just ensure the everyone in the group has the knowledge on how to use your chosen platform and has the program downloaded.
Join online groups
As more Australians self-isolate, the number of people sharing their experiences in online forums is increasing. Beyond Blue has a dedicated forum to help people cope with the pandemic. It provides a safe space for people to share their concerns and stay connected.
Write a letter
There’s nothing that makes you feel more loved than receiving a handwritten letter. Get sentimental and grab yourself a pen and paper and get writing.
Send a postcard
You may not be able to be there in person, but you can let your loved ones know you are thinking about them with a postcard. There are many personalised postcard apps out (MyPostcard, Touchnote, even Australia Post) that enable you to create postcards complete with your own pictures and messages!
Leave a note
Perform a small act of kindness by leaving a connection card with a kind message and your phone number for those who are isolated, so they can call you for a chat.
Compete from afar with apps
Get competitive with your friends and neighbours during isolation by playing free games with your friends. There are many free apps out there (Words With Friends, QuizUp, Draw Something) that challenge your friends and your brain.
If you’re more of a boardgame fan, there are many free online boardgames you can play with your friends (Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, Trivial Pursuit).
For more ideas, check out Neighbour Day’s list of #CreativeConnection Tips here.
Let’s all be more neighbourly!
No matter which way you choose to connect with those in your community, we all need to work together to build positive and sustainable connections, so all Queenslanders feel supported during this pandemic. We all need to make it our responsibility to check in on each other for our mental wellbeing.
