By Danielle Kutchel
Our community and neighbourhood houses are places of connection.
During lockdown, many have continued to offer their programs and services online in a sign of just how dedicated their staff and volunteers are to the community’s wellbeing.
To mark R U OK? Day, we asked them how they’re feeling and what tips they have for those finding lockdown six to be particularly tough.
Daniella Maloney, teacher at Foundation Learning Centre, Narre Warren
It’s a really hard time for students who are feeling like their world is out of their control and they are unable to predict what the future holds for them.
I suggest controlling what you can, go to bed at a reasonable time (don’t think that just because you’re not attending school onsite that you can game all night), set an alarm to wake up at least an hour before your first class. Eat breakfast or have a piece of fruit, get your body moving even if it’s a stroll around the block. Work to your school timetable ensuring that you have screen time breaks.
Talk to your parents, caregivers or teachers about how you are feeling, we don’t have all the answers (and are also feeling frustrated with the situation) but we are all here to support you. It is absolutely normal to not feel OK with the current situation but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, work with your teachers to break tasks down into achievable chunks and write a list so that you can tick something off at the end of the day and experience even the smallest amount of success and build from there.
The first step is reaching out and saying ‘I’m not OK’.
Maree Cullinan, manager at Balla Balla Community Centre, Cranbourne East
Supporting people can be as simple as a phone call or a text just to let people know you are thinking of them.
I support my own mental health in the same way, staying connected, meditation (we run this through the centre via teleconferencing), walking (we have staff walking challenges), reading, and gardening now the weather has improved.
It is not a weakness to say you are not OK, it is a strength.
Lauren McCarthy, staff member at Balla Balla Community Centre, Cranbourne East
It’s OK not to be OK during challenging time. Acknowledge your feelings and try to then focus on something positive ie. seeds sprouting, wattle blooms, listening to music, reading, walking (and talking) with a friend, phone calls to loved ones.
The team at Balla Balla Community Centre have recently created a step-challenge walking group where we post photos of our walks, the number of daily steps achieved and support each other. It’s a fun way to stay motivated and connected with each other while we are working from home. We are all feeling the benefits from the fresh air and exercise. We are also a very determined team – if it’s bucketing down, we walk laps of our houses much to the amusement of our families. I also attended a Growing Veggies At Home workshop for Science Week and feel a little more confident in pottering about in my garden.
Mary, manager at Oakgrove Community Centre, Narre Warren South
Call your loved ones (family or friends) instead of texting, this makes a real positive impact in supporting their mental health.
For a relaxing hobby, wear your shoes and just get outside every day for at least 15 minutes.
Girija, finance officer at Oakgrove Community Centre, Narre Warren South
Remember, most of your stress comes from the way you respond, not the way life is. Adjust your attitude,.change how you see things. Look for the good in all situations.Take the lessons and find new opportunities to grow. Let all the extra stress, worrying and overthinking go.
Brooke, booking officer at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, Berwick
R U OK day is a day close to my heart. I try to ask those around to me how they are, and to truly listen, often. I let them know that they are never alone, there is always somewhere to turn. During lockdown, self-care has been paramount to me staying well. A good book, a glass of wine, a quiet walk alone – the little things help to fill my bucket. My favourite way to relax is to lay down, close my eyes and pop in some headphones and play a podcast or meditation track.
Jo, manager at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House, Berwick
“R u OK?” is such an easy question to ask but we need to listen and look for the real answer. During these lockdowns, it’s so important that we stay connected with each other and have someone we can really talk to, and be honest with. We need that safe person to whom we can say no I’m not OK, and they will be there to support you. When you find that person, keep them!
As a family we have tried to break up the ‘groundhogness’ with a special ‘café’ breakfast at home, a movie night with snacks, and little things that are able to brighten our days. Personally nothing can go past a little grazing platter, a cider and a Netflix binge for a good laugh (or cry) to help me reset.
Steph, Soul Sisters facilitator at Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House
During our Soul Sisters sessions, we have been chatting about the importance of self-care and some tips and tricks to really take time out to be able to dedicate time ourselves. We made jars filled with colourful sticks and each stick had an activity or quote that that ladies could look at and do or remember.
For me, someone that has battled with a generalized anxiety disorder, I cannot recommend counselling/therapy enough. Talking with a licensed therapist, has truly changed my life for the better and provided me with the tools to deal when life gets a little tough. Never be afraid or ashamed to seek help!
I also love nothing more than going for a walk or sitting in the sunshine, or listening to a podcast.
