Getting Through Together Digest: 24th March 2021
Kia ora New Zealand's marked a number of poignant anniversaries lately - 10 years since the devastating 22 February earthquake, two years since the 15 March terror attack and the world is marking one year since the COVID19 outbreak was declared a pandemic.
11.59pm tomorrow night (25 March 2021) will mark one year since Aotearoa went into our month-long Level 4 lockdown. At that time we had 102 cases and the virus was spreading in the community.
As we know, that wasn't to be our last lockdown with Auckland doing most of the heavy-lifting since then (cheers Tāmaki Makaurau).
Anniversaries evoke all sorts of emotions and while New Zealand is fortunate to have comparatively low case numbers, the pandemic has affected us in all sorts of ways.
For some, the coming months will mark the anniversary of losing their job; for 26 New Zealand families it will be the first anniversary of losing a loved one to COVID19.
It'll be a time when the impacts of the global pandemic will be broadcast widely in the media and we'll all react to that differently.
So, whether this email finds you feeling lucky, frustrated, uncertain, grateful or over it - know that your reaction is all right.
Also, know that your mates and loved ones could be feeling differently - so check in with them and look after one another.
Kia kaha,
All Right? and the Mental Health Foundation
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Not all right?
These new challenges and the loss of our regular routines is causing stress for many of us. This can really erode our wellbeing over time. While it’s important to remember to do the little things that help recharge us, it’s also important to know there is someone to talk to and free help available. It’s all right 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.