Mental health & wellbeing

It is important to maintain regular physical activity and good nutrition during this time. If you exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet, it can reduce your stress and symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Resources to keep you active and healthy

• UniActive members are eligible to access a 60 day free trial of Les Mills on Demand workouts that are able to be completed at home. Visit the UniActive website for more information
• Sworkit is a workout app that has guided exercise routines that last 5-60 minutes and need minimal equipment
• MyFitnessPal can assist with tracking your healthy habits and eating
• NSW Government has healthy recipes and nutrition information available

With COVID-19 causing instability in the financial markets and decreased employment opportunities, it is not unusual to be concerned about how this is impacting your finances. 

• Financial support and resources (Staff)
• Student financial assistance (Students)

Physical distancing does not mean social disconnection. This is the time to stay connected more than ever. There are a number of ways technology can be used to stay connected, and both give and receive support remotely.

• Call text, or video-chat with friends and family
• Schedule an at home workout together via video chat
• Schedule daily video or phone meetings with your colleagues/peers
• Record special events, updates and stories that you can share with family and friends
• Share good news

Your friends, family, co-workers or peers might be feeling anxious and worried about the current situation and we encourage you to stay connected.

Be aware of any changes in online behaviour or the way people communicate:

• Consider the tone and language they’re using
• Are they posting more or less? 
• Are they answering your calls? 
• Are they communicating as you would expect?

If anything is out of the ordinary ask “Are you OK?”, listen to their concerns and be a virtual shoulder to lean on.

For more detailed information about the signs someone might be struggling, and how to have an 'are you OK?' conversation, visit the R U OK? website.

To support students, staff and the wider UOW community, we have curated a list of external resources that all provide beneficial and unique information and support during this time:

Black Dog Institute

Black Dog Institute has a number of articles, digital tools, free webinars and information and resources available to support anyone feeling anxious or distressed during COVID-19. You can also sign up for email updates on mental health and wellbeing resources related to COVID-19.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has a number of ways which they are supporting individuals through this time. You can talk to a trained counsellor who will provide advice and support based on your specific needs by calling 1800 512 348.

There an online community forum 'Coping during the coronavirus pandemic' where you can connect with others, share your experiencing and exchange messages of support.

There is also a list of information, advice and strategies that is regularly update to best support people managing their wellbeing during the pandemic. Beyond Blue also offers a sign up feature to ensure you are up to date with any new resources

LifeLine

LifeLine is a national charity providing 24 hour crisis support to all Australians. This crisis support can be delivered through phone (call 13 11 14), through text – which is a available from 6pm -12am (0477 13 11 14) and through online chat which can be accessed via their website.

Emerging Minds

Emerging minds has a curated selection of resources that assists parents and carers to support their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are video resources, factsheets podcasts and guides about what you can expect and how you can help children to cope.