The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Not again ... how to protect your mental health in the face of uncertainty and another COVID variant

  • Written by Dr Julie Ji, Postdoctoral research fellow, School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia
Not again ... how to protect your mental health in the face of uncertainty and another COVID variant

Reports about the latest COVID variant of concern, Omicron, have exploded all over the news. No sooner had we learned its name, it had arrived in Australia.

Waves of familiar dread are washing ashore for many, just when there was fresh hope we would soon put all this behind us. Will there be masks and lockdowns again? Will we need booster shots? What about border closures?

Some will be worrying about getting refunds for their interstate Christmas holiday trips. Many others may be grappling with a sense of déjà vu and hopelessness – wondering how they will get their life and mental health back on track, again.

In August, calls to the 24-hour crisis support service Lifeline Australia[1] peaked at 3,505 calls per day[2] – the hightest number of daily number of calls in its 57-year history. Since the start of this year, 694,400 distressed Australians have called Lifeline for help, often for issues relating to economic hardship, relationship breakdowns, loneliness, and self harm. The call numbers in September stayed just as high, and were 30% higher than the same time last year.

The latest report[3] from Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank shows COVID has compounded emotional, social and financial pressure for already vulnerable groups, including children and young people, Aboriginal communities, women, health care workers, those who are in insecure jobs or unemployed, and those with existing mental or physical illnesses.

As we continue to live in uncertain times, there are things we can do to boost our mental immune system to help us stay as resilient as we can, for whatever 2022 may bring.

Read more: Delayed graduations, no formals — the class of 2021 has had a hell of a year. They need mental health support, and quickly[4]

1. Focus on nutritious brain food

Pay attention to what information your brain has consumed today – has it been fed a diet of doomscrolling[5] and bad news about things largely outside our control?

Uncertainty makes us feel anxious and fearful, which leads us to pay more attention to negative information in our environment, interpret ambiguous situations as threatening, and worry[6] about how things could go wrong. Our mood shapes what comes to mind, and what comes to mind also influences how we feel. So when we feel bad, negative things come to mind easily[7], which makes us feel bad – forming a negative loop.

On top of this, if our brains are flooded with negative pictures and information from news and social media, then when we think of our future, our minds will easily be filled with compelling yet distorted negative images and thoughts. This can fuel a negative cycle of anxiety and despair, making us feel hopeless and helpless.

hands with flower
Being present. Unsplash, CC BY[8][9]

My own research asked people to track how often their mind wandered during a computer task, what they were imagining and feeling. We found people who were less likely to imagine positive aspects of the future when mind wandering[10] were also less optimistic about the future, which was in turn linked to low moods, sadness and anxiety.

Read more: The shifting sands of COVID and our uncertain future has a name -- liminality[11]

2. A daily dose of rewarding activities

When we feel out of control, it can be hard to muster the energy to do things that are pleasurable or that are hard work but ultimately make us feel proud of ourselves. Yet we know this is precisely the time we must keep doing rewarding activities[12].

Whether it’s cooking, working in the garage, going for a jog, or listening to music, doing things we find rewarding and that absorb our attention can boost our positive emotions, recharge our energy, and even treat depression[13].

If motivation is lagging, evidence shows[14] imagining ourselves engaged in activities we want to do more of, but keep putting off, can make it more likely we’ll will do them.

outside walk near beach Walking in nature. Unsplash, CC BY[15][16]

3. Connecting with and helping others, helps us

Humans are social animals who need to feel connected to others. A study of loneliness[17] during lockdown last year found those who maintained frequent social interaction with people they felt close to experienced lower levels of loneliness. This was particularly true for those already experiencing elevated depression symptoms.

Helping others greatly benefits[18] our own mental and physical well-being and builds a buffer against negative stress[19].

We can help others or give them the gift of helping us because it’ll likely make them feel better too.

4. Build a mental toolkit

The right time to boost mental resilience is now – but it can be hard to navigate all the information available. Look for information that’s evidence-based[20] and resources that have been checked by experts. The Head to Health[21] site is a good place to start.

COVID has seen a rise in telehealth and online counselling[22]. If you think counselling or therapy might be useful, you could try an evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy course online, such as This Way Up[23].

Orygen’s Moderated Online Social Therapy[24] for 15–25 year olds aims to support young people while they’re waiting for face-to-face care. It is available in Victoria and will soon be available in Queensland. The Black Dog Institute provides evidence-based digital mental health[25] tools and resources.

Hang in there

Living through a pandemic is testing our resilience and challenging our coping abilities in ways they’ve never been challenged before. But new tools, expert advice[26] and support is available.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

References

  1. ^ Lifeline Australia (www.lifeline.org.au)
  2. ^ 3,505 calls per day (www.lifeline.org.au)
  3. ^ report (mentalhealththinktank.org.au)
  4. ^ Delayed graduations, no formals — the class of 2021 has had a hell of a year. They need mental health support, and quickly (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ doomscrolling (www.insidescience.org)
  6. ^ worry (www.sciencedirect.com)
  7. ^ negative things come to mind easily (journals.plos.org)
  8. ^ Unsplash (images.unsplash.com)
  9. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  10. ^ mind wandering (www.uwa.edu.au)
  11. ^ The shifting sands of COVID and our uncertain future has a name -- liminality (theconversation.com)
  12. ^ rewarding activities (www.sciencedirect.com)
  13. ^ treat depression (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  14. ^ evidence shows (www.sciencedirect.com)
  15. ^ Unsplash (images.unsplash.com)
  16. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  17. ^ loneliness (research-repository.uwa.edu.au)
  18. ^ benefits (www.cebm.net)
  19. ^ buffer against negative stress (journals.sagepub.com)
  20. ^ evidence-based (bestpractice.bmj.com)
  21. ^ Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au)
  22. ^ telehealth and online counselling (www.frontiersin.org)
  23. ^ This Way Up (thiswayup.org.au)
  24. ^ Moderated Online Social Therapy (www.orygen.org.au)
  25. ^ digital mental health (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au)
  26. ^ expert advice (www.blackdoginstitute.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/not-again-how-to-protect-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty-and-another-covid-variant-172847

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...