Supporting others and their mental health and wellbeing

Supporting family, friends and others in your community can mean so much. It can make a world of difference for someone you know or care about. You can provide support to someone by noticing behaviour changes, creating open lines of communication, or giving practical help.

Supporting someone can be humbling and rewarding but it can also be physically and mentally challenging. If you’re supporting someone else, remember to look after your mental health and wellbeing too.

The type of support needed will depend on the person your helping:

Supporting children

It can be difficult for children to understand the changes and uncertainty they are experiencing due to COVID-19. This can make them more vulnerable to feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness. As a parent or carer, there are ways you can support children through these challenging times.

  • Talk clearly and calmly with them about what is happening, using age-appropriate language.
  • Listen to any questions they have and let them know they are safe and that it’s normal to feel concerned.
  • Respond in supportive, gentle, and reassuring ways, by listening to concerns and giving extra love and attention.
  • Help create some structure in their daily routine (even if this is different from their usual). This could include learning, playing and relaxing. Where possible, maintain schoolwork, study, and routine activities.
  • Limit how much time they spend accessing distressing news, social media, or images.
  • Use video technology to help them maintain social connection with their friends and family members.
  • Lead by example. Work on managing your own stress through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Adults who are prepared, rested and relaxed respond better to unexpected events and can make decisions in the best interests of those they care for.
  • Children’s reactions and emotions are influenced by how they see adults around them behaving and reacting. When parents and caregivers deal with traumatic events calmly and confidently, children are better supported.

For information and support on how to talk to children during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Supporting teens and young adults

Our young people are facing unique challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly around their education, friendships, and jobs. Feeling overwhelmed or stressed is a common response to the ongoing change and uncertainty they are experiencing.

As a parent or carer, there are ways you can support your teen or young adult through these challenging times.  

  • Talk to them about how they are coping and provide an empathic space for them to share their feelings and worries. Provide reassurance and encouragement where you can and speak openly and honestly.
  • Initiate conversations to discuss COVID-19. With so much misinformation online, this is a good opportunity to address any questions or concerns they may have. Remember, you don’t need to have all the answers. If you are unsure about something, use this time to search reputable sites for more information together.  
  • Be mindful of how much time they are spending watching the news. While it is important to remain up to date on the details of the COVID-19 pandemic, too much exposure to negative news can affect their mood and cause further stress.
  • If your teen or young adult lives at home, and is spending more time indoors than usual, be mindful of their need for privacy and alone time. Developmentally they are likely wanting some separation from parents and family, so finding the right balance is important.  
  • Encourage and promote a balanced routine, factoring in healthy eating, exercise and plenty of sleep. Be mindful that some household rules for teens may need a little flexibility, such as screen time. Social media, apps and digital platforms are a great way to connect with friends and family.
  • If your young person is having a hard time adjusting, the following techniques can really help:
    • Practicing mindfulness or meditation. There are many guided exercises available online, or apps you can download to your mobile device.  
    • Listening to or playing music.
    • Journaling or video blogging.
    • Exercising. This could be something you do together.
    • Talking with a trusted adult. This doesn’t have to be you – it could be a relative, an older sibling even a teacher.
    • Connecting with friends and family.
    • Reading online resources or contacting a helpline or webchat.
  • Look out for signs that things might not be OK. While it’s very normal to experience a range of emotions during this time, particularly for teens and young adults, there are some signs that shouldn’t go unnoticed. If your young person is displaying intense feelings such as sadness, worry or grief that are ongoing and interfering with everyday life, you may need to consider seeking additional support.
  • If your teen or young adult needs further support, a range of options are available, however a chat to their GP might be a good place to start.

For more information and resources on how to support your teen or young adult, you might find the following organisations and web materials helpful:

Supporting older people

In times like these, it’s important to stay in contact with older relatives, friends, neighbours, and others in our community. Help create a community of care, by looking out for seniors not only in your life, but also those who live around you.

Here are some practical things you can do:

  • If you are a family member or caregiver, talk about COVID-19 and provide updates on what is happening in the news. Being open and honest will help provide clarity and reassurance during a confusing and difficult time.  
  • Physical distancing and isolation can be distressing for some people, particularly if they live alone. Acknowledge their feelings and talk about what is worrying them. By talking things through, you may be able to come up with some solutions to help.
  • Keep in regular contact. A phone call might be the most suitable form of communication, but you can also try video chat so that you’re able to see each other.
  • Offering practical support can make a real difference and help alleviate stress and anxiety. Check they have enough supplies and offer to pick up any shopping on their behalf. Knowing they have access to their medications and a nourishing meal to eat can help ease worries and concerns.

For information and resources on how to support older people during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the following resources:

  • Neighbour Day: Connection and Calling Cards – Introduce yourself or connect with neighbours in your community using Connection & Calling Cards (a friendly message, your name and address) as an icebreaker. By dropping one of these cards in a neighbour’s letterbox, older residents can reach out if they need support. It’s a great way to give back and ensure that our most vulnerable are looked after during this time.
  • Council of the Aging (COTA) has a range of information for older people on COVID-19.
  • The Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line (1800 171 866)

Support for individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence

Everyone has the right to respectful, loving relationships and no one should live in fear. If you are experiencing abuse or violence it is not your fault. Support is available.

If you are worried about your safety or the safety of your family due to violence, seek support.

To find more information on supports here in the ACT visit:
ACT Community Services

Page last updated on: 20 Aug 2021