Getting Through Together Digest: 26th April 2020
Kia ora. Happy Sunday! COVID-19 meant it was a very different ANZAC Day this year - one of the many special and important events that have had to be significantly adjusted, postponed or cancelled. Despite this, we hope you were able to commemorate the day from your bubble in one way or another, and found some time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us.
Right now, everyone is feeling the impact of isolation in one way or another, making it more important than ever to be kind. Be kind to your neighbours, be kind to the checkout operator and be kind to each other.
we urge you to continue that kindness as some businesses become operational again under level 3! We know there will certainly be a rush on certain takeaway food services, so be kind to those you meet and who serve you!
Keep looking out for each other, Aotearoa.
Arohanui,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Celebrating Ramadan in a COVID-19 world
Ramadan is typically a time Muslim communities come together, all over the world. As COVID-19 restrictions have put a stop to any social gatherings, the community is now coming up with innovative ways to come together, pray, fast and reflect – together yet separately.
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the new moon. For Muslims in New Zealand, Ramadan kicked off yesterday.
Christchurch Muslim community member, Ben Gresham says it’s been amazing to see leaders stepping up to be flexible and innovative. “In general the scholars have been really open to engaging in new questions of celebrating Ramadan in a world where we can’t physically come together to pray, fast and reflect.”
This year there is a lot more focus on hosting religious lectures online, through Facebook, Youtube and Zoom. “Everyone around the world is doing this so we can connect with those in the US, Australia, UK, and our friends in the North Island,” says Gresham.
Find out more about how Muslim communities are celebrating Ramadan.
Having a hard time getting through?
Our current situation is affecting us all in different ways. For those of us that are already managing mental distress or illness, this can be an even heavier load to bear.
Sam is a 23-year-old office worker from Wellington, who first developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) after living through the Swine flu many years ago. Although he didn’t think the Swine flu had impacted him mentally at the time, looking back Sam believes his current obsessions around contamination were triggered by its frequent messaging to sanitise his hands.
Knowing that his obsessions are quite fluid and can change, Sam is “still figuring out” if a new, related obsession is forming during COVID-19. He also worries that spending much less time outside his home might affect his progress.
Read Sam's full story on dealing with obsessive behaviours during COVID-19.
Get tips for managing māharahara/anxious thoughts or worries, mataku/fears, and/or obsessions and compulsions.
All Black lock on staying connected
Just like the rest of us, lockdown has brought big changes to Sam Whitelock’s life. After a hectic trip home from Japan, the family are now safely home in their bubble on Sam’s farm in the Hawke’s Bay.
Sam says the Five Ways to Wellbeing are more important than ever to help get through these uncertain times. He’s doing his best to stay connected with those outside his bubble, so he doesn’t feel isolated.
"Staying connected is about yarning with your mates. Often my mates and I are talking about nothing really but it’s still great to socialise and find out what they’ve been up to and what they’re doing to keep themselves busy.”
Find out what else Sam has been up to in his bubble and what he is doing to look after himself on:
Spread the word: Order some posters!
We'd welcome the support of essential workers by ordering our Getting Through Together – Whāia E Tātou Te Pae Tawhiti posters and putting them up just like our friends at Elwin Bates Pharmacy in Balclutha have!
Posters for essential workplaces can be ordered on our website.
The posters are also available for download if you're not part of the essential workforce.
Not all right?
For many of us, these new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress. We want you to know that however you’re feeling, there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s okay to reach out if you need to - we all need a bit of support from time-to-time.
Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime - it’s free and completely confidential. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357.
Check out the Mental Health Foundation’s website for further advice on how to stay mentally well during this time.
Until next time, stay well Aotearoa.
And remember, we'll get through this - together.
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