If you are feeling overwhelmed and distressed in relation to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID19) or are trying to reassure children, vulnerable community members or employees then the following 10 Tips may be of use as you look after your own mental health and psychosocial wellbeing and those around you:

1. It’s healthy and normal to feel panic, fear and anxiety.Human brains are hardwired to be afraid of the unknown, the random and the uncontrollable. If you find yourself confronting these feelings, know that your response is reasonable and adaptive. It’s your brains way of alerting you to threat and mobilising you to take actions to protect yourself. That’s a great thing.

2. Maintain Perspective.Exposing yourself, to a constant stream media updates, social media alerts, live media updates and focussing on negative information takes a huge psychological toll. Avoid reading social media posts that are titled “apocalypse”, “world end” or other sensational language. This will not serve you. Don’t get drawn into doomsday discussions. Facts will help to minimise fear. Rely on scientific sources for your information as this will help to maintain perspective and manage your feelings positively. Access good quality information from credible sources such as the World Health Organisation, Australian Government COVID19 Health Alerts, Smarttraveller.com.

t is hard to say ‘Happy' New Year when you know your country is burning. When lives have been lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods ruined and our natural flora and fauna catastrophically impacted.

Like many my glass of champagne on New Years Eve was bitter sweet, as I watched the media updates on the fires burning out of control across Australia - so many- but especially the unprecedented firestorm on the NSW south coast. This place is close to my heart. It is, for us Canberrans, our back yard. Our place of rest, recuperation and joy.

Chances are, if you are in Australia at present, you’ve been in close contact with someone deeply affected by the Australian Summer Bushfires.

If not directly, you will know someone in your immediate or not-too-distant circle, who has been through the trauma of defending their house, losing their home, losing livestock, or a loved one, being evacuated, losing their business, their income or their livelihood.

As a Psychologist with more than 20 years experience in mental health and personal development I would offer that in addition to making authentic new years resolutions, lists of life goals and intentions - I’d also recommend considering that you what you need is the self belief that you can be the hero of your own adventure.

When you adopt the mindset that YOU are the person steering your course through life, you are in a better position to action the plans you need to make those dreams and goals a reality.

Everything you need is already inside you.

Life is difficult, risky, dangerous and uncertain. And we are not talking about the lives of extraordinary people, but the lives of ordinary people. Growing up, making their way in the world, creating, working, raising families, living and dying.

The most courageous among us, do this from a place of authenticity. Reflecting on who they are, what is important to them, how they can live in harmony with others, create more than they destroy, nourish their bodies and souls, contribute to the wellbeing of others, and leave the planet one day, with few regrets and a pocketful of joyous stories.

So how do these courageous folk, those wholehearted, ordinary heroes among us find their way?