11 Jun Working together for a healthy community

By Sabine McKenzie
TDHS Community Engagement Officer

Life can be beautiful. And life can also be very, very hard. It comes with challenges that impact our lives, our world, our families and our community. It affects some of us deeply and can change our perspective on certain things.

These last few weeks have brought us more challenges through much uncertainty. We endured another COVID-19 circuit breaker lockdown, devastating winds and torrential rain.

It is ok to feel how you feel; anxious, afraid, worried and overwhelmed. And it is ok to reach out and ask for help. Talk about it, have some healthy debate about it. Talking is great therapy and helps us all understand our own, and alternate, views. If you or someone you know needs help, you are not alone; help is available 24/7.

Lifeline Tel: 131 114
Beyondblue Tel: 1300 224 636
Suicide call back service Tel: 1300 659 467
1800RESPECT Tel: 1800 737 732
If someone’s life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000)

As we journey through the difficult times, we can find meaning in caring for, and offering hope to, each other, our families and communities. It is a reminder of what we do have, it reconnects us to one another and reminds us that we are all in this together. There is a newfound appreciation for living in a small community where there is overwhelming compassion and support for one another.

We often know people in the community well enough to recognise they are struggling, but there are not always tell-tale signs.

Everyone deals with challenging times differently and we can reach out to each other and ask “R U OK?.” That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better. We can be a listening ear and a (virtual) shoulder to lean on.

Please continue to be mindful of yourself and others, mentally and physically. Let’s make time to look out for one another, be kind and stay connected.