Through BEV’s partnership with VTIC, we are pleased to be able to extend the Partners in Wellbeing Program to BEV members via a dedicated Mental Health Clinician/Consultant, Dannii.

With a dedicated Mental Health Hub within VTIC’s Support Hub, Partners in Wellbeing provides essential resources such as Coping with Lockdown and tools to support industry to practise self-care during these stressful and weary times.

Here, we share a message from Dannii:

With the current uncertainty, it is not surprising to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Our bodies adapt well to temporary stress, but, after many months of stress, our bodies start to produce cortisol and adrenaline at levels which can impact our problem solving, decision making and concentration. We may become less social, we may be cynical, feel emotions such as anger and despair. It is likely we may find it difficult to manage our emotions. We are calling this pandemic fatigue or crisis fatigue. It is a real thing.

Today we have five reasons to leave home, this is outside our control. We only have control over ourselves, what we choose to focus on, how we invest our time, who we connect with and how we will self-care.

I’m sharing five tips on ways to help reduce feelings associated with stress and uncertainty:

1. Start your day with 5 minutes of mindful, slow, deep breathing. By focussing on the in and out of your breath, you will bring a sense of calm into your day, helping you both physically and mentally.
2. The pandemic has pushed us to be more creative to find new ways to navigate our lives. Take a break by listening to music, reading a book or spending time outside in your garden or local reserve.
3. Unplug from your screens while you drink your coffee or eat your lunch. Unplug from the overload of information your screens deliver and appreciate what you are tasting and savour that taste.
4. Connect with people who have your back, those people who you can just be you with no expectation and will help lift your spirits
5. Reach out for support. I am a phone call away for a chat and wellbeing check-in. Call me (Dannii) on (03) 7035 5732 or email consultation@vtic.com.au and I will make contact with you

Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government and is being delivered by Neami National, EACH and the ACSO across Victoria.