How do we move past 2020?

CRAIG WINTER

ONE of my missions for 2021 is to get past all the bad news, the negative media and the constant attack on our optimism that we’ve been experiencing, get on with life and make 2021 the best year it can be.

Every second advert on TV tells us what a bad year we’ve had, what a struggle it’s been and how badly we’re all affected, and yes, there are a couple of groups who’ve fared particularly badly - the elderly, and anyone involved in travel or tourism for example - but for the most part, regional Queensland has gotten off fairly lightly.

What we need to do is get motivated to make 2021 a good year, in whatever shape that may be for each of us individually, and show added support for those groups who may not be able to get over things as quickly as the rest of us.

I spoke to Kaylene Birch who is the owner and Principal Counsellor at Finding Balance Counselling in Maryborough and asked if it’s even possible to feel positive about the new year, given all the bad news we’re receiving.

“We’ve been lucky so far in QLD as we’ve not experienced the second waves that other states have. People who have a strong positive attitude have coped well with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They have put strategies in place to be able to continue with their lives as best they can. They have listened to health advice and in many cases adjusted their daily routines to ensure they can be as safe as possible.

“Others have begun to live in fear as they feel their control of the situation has been taken away.” said Kaylene.

“The elderly are the most impacted by the fear factor. Many have become fearful of leaving their homes to go shopping or visit with friends and family.

“I’ve heard some difficult stories from elderly community members who have stated that their quality of life has diminished. Most of us who have been able to continue to work (however)have managed reasonably well.

“Life has changed but we have been able to get on with it in most cases.

“I believe most of us will hold onto a level of stress around Covid for some time to come. We’re all learning to live in a new world.” she said.

One comment we’ve heard a lot is that people are hiding the true effect of this year’s stress from others.

“Yes, there is a huge amount of concealed stress within the community.” Kaylene said.

“Many are putting on a brave face for fear of being judged by the critics/ conspiracy theorists and/ or to protect their families from the domino effect of community transmitted stress.

“For so long, all we could see in any form of media was the reports worldwide of the pandemic. There was no escape.” she said.

Is it better to learn to cope on our own or to open up and admit that it was all a bit too much for some of us?

“It is healthier to admit to a level of stress and that it can be attributed to the pandemic. This doesn’t mean we have to cope alone though.

“Seeking counselling and community support is a very healthy option. The repercussions of Covid may have triggered other underlying stress factors and when they have another level of stress applied via Covid, it may be the tipper for some people.

“It’s okay to seek help by talking to a professional who will not judge and will help to identify strategies to reduce the stress anyone may be experiencing.

“Time may reduce the impact temporarily – until another stressful event happens in an individuals life, which may then escalate to trauma.” she said.

How do people break away from the bad press and depressing media, and start getting on with their lives?

“In my professional opinion it is best if people can move through their day to day activities as normally as possible.

“Yes, we do have to be more hygiene conscious and more aware of our external environments. But I don’t see this as a bad thing.

“We have all learnt many lessons from the restrictions, but maybe we really did need to learn these lessons again anyway.

“We now have to plan more when we want to go anywhere. Make that booking to go out for a meal. Plan that weekend away with the family or your partner.

“We may not have been able to have that holiday overseas we had planned, but have we really seen everything that our own country has to offer?

“Take time to explore that new hobby you have been going to take up for so long. Take time for self care – it may be the gym, bike or horse riding, walking on one of our gorgeous beaches, yoga or meditation.

“Check out What’s on Fraser Coast – there are always activities going on in our region.

“Check on your friends and neighbours and plan a street BBQ. Become more aware of your community.” she said.

Kaylene has two main suggestions when it comes to moving on with life.

• There is no shame in asking for help if you feel you’re not coping.

Covid may have brought up other issues which have been buried for some time.

Talk to family and friends or if they can’t help you contact a counsellor.

• Creativity is a great outlet for stress – check out any groups that allow you to use your creative mind or invest in some craft or art supplies and let it all out.

Kaylene Birch has a Diploma of Professional Counselling (MACA), is a member of the College of Professional Supervisors and is the owner and Principal Counsellor at Finding Balance Counselling, 371 Kent Street Maryborough.