How to manage stress and anxiety as COVID-19 rules relax
As Australia relaxes its COVID-19 restrictions, we know that it is important to hear from people living with disability about their experience as they may have different perspective, challenges and insight.
So we reached out to five people, who each live with a different disability, about their thoughts and their tips on managing anxiety and stress as restrictions change.
Belle
Belle enjoys a cuppa while working from home.
Belle has a history of respiratory issues and a bone growth condition called pseudoachondroplasia. She uses a wheelchair for mobility. Due to her medical condition, she has been isolating at home since the middle of March to stay safe from COVID-19.
What do you think of the changes in COVID-19 restrictions?
It is difficult for me to stay home and watch everybody re-entering the world. But what really bothers me is that people are picking up their life from where it was left off before COVID, and not taking any precautions. I understand that everybody is keen to get back in the community and to return to normalcy. I feel like the lifting of restrictions is driven by public opinion and the idea that we need to reboot the economy, but it neglects taking into account taking care of vulnerable people.
For instance, I did have to leave my house once to take my dog to the vet. I took all necessary precautions, like wearing a mask, and I had the consult outside the clinic so that we could maintain the 2 metres social distance. And people that I consider quite close to me were telling me that this was dramatic, that I was being ridiculous. I know everyone’s really keen for life to go back to normal, but COVID-19 still exists and is just as deadly as it was before we had these lockdown laws.
What is one thing that worries you because of these changes?
I just think that people could still be cautious as we return to normal. It’s so absurd for me that people disregard that we are not in the clear yet. It’s great that we can reopen cafes and pubs and other places like that. But it’s wild to me that people are just going back to life as if we have beaten this virus. It seems like everyone is rushing towards normalcy but that’s what got us in lockdown in the first place.
It makes me nervous that we might end up back into lockdown. And it also makes me wonder if I should take this opportunity to do what I want to do during this period when things are supposedly “safer” now.
What will you do to remain safe during this period when restrictions ease?
I’ve been doing things while still staying as isolated as possible, just to look after my mental health. I’ve gone for some drives in my housemate’s car, we are isolating together and this lets us get out of the house while still staying safe. I’m viewing this more as a marathon rather than a sprint.
Routine is also really important. I’ve been keeping up with my physical therapy sessions through telehealth. And if I need to go in to work I use personal protective equipment, like wearing a mask. I know that a vaccine could take time, and staying as locked down as I am is not sustainable in the long term. So if I’ve got to go outside I just try to put in place as many safety measures as I can.
What are your tips to manage stress and anxiety?
I feel that you just need to check in with yourself and think about what makes you happy. Make sure you take time for yourself. For me, if I’m spending time at home, I may as well be cosy and happy. I ordered a fluffy dressing gown online for myself and have spending time on a skincare routine. I’ve been listening to music that reminds me of happy things.
Keeping busy also helps me to pass the time. I like to challenge myself so I try new recipes, and I have been doing Italian lessons online. I’ve also been doing crochet in lockdown. If there’s nice weather I try to go outside and sit in the sunshine. It’s all really simple things but it makes a difference.
Do you have anything you are looking forward to when restrictions ease?
I’m looking forward to eating at new places. I’ve been having UberEats sometimes when I want a change, but it’s not the same as being in a restaurant. I also really miss going to the movies. I find I’m really bad at watching movies at home, I’m always on my phone even if it’s a movie I’m excited about. But when I go to the cinema that is when I am on my best behaviour and putting my phone away.
Belle's dog rests on the couch under her latest crochet creation.
Dr Siyat
Dr Siyat takes a break from his computer at work to smile for the camera.
Dr Siyat is blind and works at the Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre in Perth, Western Australia. He shares his experience on how COVID-19 restrictions affect members of the blind community.
What do you think of the changes in COVID-19 restrictions?
I am blind and it is difficult for me to social distance. I am not able to see if other people are sick, so I rely on other people to follow the government guidelines. I feel that the restrictions limit my freedom and decision making. For example, I want to stay fit, but I have to decide between staying at home or taking the time to travel to the gym. If I go to the gym, then I risk not being able to go in because the maximum number of people has been reached.
What is one thing that worries you because of these changes?
Well, if people do not follow the government guidelines, then there may be a second wave of infections. Reassurance from the government is very important in helping people feel safe. I have NDIS funds for certain therapy services but I am afraid to go because I cannot be sure if I will be safe there.
What will you do to remain safe during this period when restrictions ease?
I downloaded the COVIDSafe app, but it was difficult to use. The app is not accessible and I could not tell if it was switched on because there were no voice instructions. So I think accessibility of the app could be improved.
I also rely on my support person to guide me. Social distancing requirements mean that I can no longer be in close contact with my support worker. To solve that problem, I am using two canes now. One is a shorter cane that my guide holds at one end, while I hold the other end. The other cane is a longer one for me.
What are your tips to manage stress and anxiety?
For me, I try to keep busy. I spend time with my children, and I read audiobooks. I do not listen to COVID-19 news often, so that I can limit my stress. It is important to take care of your mental health.
Do you have anything you are looking forward to when restrictions ease?
I am glad that now I can go out to the gym and swimming pool now. But as I mentioned the limit on number of people who can go into these places affect my decision making.
Leeanne
Leeanne relaxing on her couch at home with her two cats.
Leeanne is autistic and had to change the ways she does certain things, like her meals and how she commutes.
What do you think of the changes in COVID-19 restrictions?
I am fine with lifting the restrictions in stages like what we are doing in South Australia. Even though we only had one new case which was from overseas, I feel that it is a good idea to still follow the guidelines, like social distancing, so that we do not get new COVID-19 cases.
What is one thing that worries you because of these changes?
One of my worries is transport options. I do not have a driver’s license and have hardly left my home because it is difficult to follow the social distancing guidelines of 20 people in one area on public transport.
What will you do to remain safe during this period when restrictions ease?
I will not take public transport for a while until the situation improves. When I go out, I pay extra attention in public spaces to make sure I am distancing from other people. I also only touch things where necessary and stand up in waiting areas, like at the doctors, instead of sitting.
What are your tips to manage stress and anxiety?
Good question. Breathing exercises can help, but it makes me more nervous when I focus on my breath. Instead I sing. When you sing, you are holding your breath but concentrating on hitting the right notes. Being autistic, I have sensory processing issues, which limits the food that I can eat. I am managing this by having certain food on certain days, which has helped.
Do you have anything you are looking forward to when restrictions ease?
I love going to the Royal Adelaide Show, but that has been cancelled this year. Hopefully next year I can go on rides at the show.
Leeanne dresses up as Yugi from the manga Yu-Gi-Oh! as part of bin isolation fun.
Ricky
COVID-19 has made things more accessible to Ricky because she can now watch major events like concerts online at home. Here Ricky is smiling at the camera with headphones on.
Ricky lives in Melbourne and is homebound. She cannot leave her house whether or not there is a pandemic. However she has also been affected by the restrictions even though she has to stay at home.
What do you think of the changes in COVID-19 restrictions?
Since I stay at home and cannot go out, the restrictions do not really affect me much. I do wish that the government would wait a bit longer before lifting the restrictions though.
What is one thing that worries you because of these changes?
I am worried that relaxing the restrictions will lead to a second wave of COVID-19 cases.
It is scary for me. My housemate was actually exposed to someone who tested positive to COVID-19 during this time. Nobody was really sure what to do since I was not the one who got exposed to the virus directly. In the end my support workers decided it was best if they treated me as if I had been exposed to the virus. I wore a mask to stay safe when my housemate had to isolate. The uncertainty of what to do during that period made it worst, but I feel more prepared to handle situations like this now.
What will you do to remain safe during this period when restrictions ease?
My support workers have been keeping up with hygiene practices like washing hands and wiping down surfaces. I give them the option to wear a mask if they want to. I also get my parcels and groceries to be left outside the door. My support worker brings the parcels in and wipes it down before giving me whatever is inside. This way it reduces the number of people entering the house.
What are your tips to manage stress and anxiety?
I keep up to date with the news online, but try to not spend too much time exposed to it. It is important to balance your time online with the news and more positive things like talking to friends. Another thing that helped me was realising that there are things that I can control and other things that I cannot.
Do you have anything you are looking forward to when restrictions ease?
I miss hugging my friends and family. I cannot wait to be able to do that again! The only time I get to see them is when they visit my house because I cannot go out.
Ricky's delicious breakfast, Vegemite avocado toast!
Jane
Jane on her bike on the bike trails in Kadina. She has been riding up to 10km daily during COVID-19! Her two dogs are in the rear bike basket.
Jane lives with an acquired brain injury and she shares how COVID-19 has affected the regional community in Kadina.
What do you think of the changes in COVID-19 restrictions?
I have been keeping up to date with news on COVID-19. While I am looking forward to things going back to normal, I am worried about a new outbreak if we lift the restrictions too early. It is really important that everyone follows the COVID-19 guidelines to stay safe.
What is one thing that worries you because of these changes?
Hopefully international borders will be closed for the rest of this year. I am worried that if we open our borders too early there will be new cases.
What will you do to remain safe during this period when restrictions ease?
I am going to keep following the recommended guidelines. We have been doing this well in Kadina. I was getting takeaway for lunch today and happy to see that everyone was standing on the markings on the floor of the cafe to make sure we social distance.
What are your tips to manage stress and anxiety?
It is really important to find activities you enjoy. I think to myself that there is always someone else worst off than me. That helps me to stay positive. There can be lots of negatives in life, but I choose to focus on the bright side and keep living my life.
Do you have anything you are looking forward to when restrictions ease?
Lots of things. I have booked my pilates classes for June. I am also looking forward to catching up with others in person, and seeing my church family again. Regional travel is also on my list of things to do.
