Regional Australia is now confronting the threat of COVID-19 on the back of months of drought and bushfires. But rather than become overwhelmed, communities will emerge stronger, said rural psychologist Amanda Jefferys.
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With about 20-years of clinical rural experience, the director of the University of New England Psychology Clinic believes the very strength and resilience demonstrated by rural communities in recent years stands them in good stead during this global crisis.
"For many people this is a third strike, and that makes it really tough to dig deep again," Dr Jefferys said.
"Many are asking 'what's next?' But I have amazing faith in rural people, and digging deep is exactly what they will do."
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Even as the Armidale-based psychology clinic moves to telehealth delivery to safeguard clients, Dr Jefferys urged all Australians to keep a cool head.
"We are living in uncertain times, which is creating collective anxiety that we cannot easily address," she said.
"But Australia is responding very well to the coronavirus threat. We have amazing health professionals, and we must all work hard to calm the farm."
Dr Jefferys said while the fast-moving COVID-19 crisis undoubtedly represented a considerable burden, it had also placed us at a major crossroad in how we deal with the pandemic.
"One thing Australians do really well is that we step up to the plate," she said.
"COVID-19 is something we could never have anticipated, but we are a pretty tough bunch and will be resilient as we step through this.
"It's vital that we don't get bogged down in the hysteria and media reports of catastrophe, and fail to acknowledge what is working well."
Dr Jefferys said lives would be lost and business would be difficult in the short-term.
"We are seeing rapid changes to our daily lives and work arrangements, and many people are picking up on the angst and anxiety felt by others," she said.
"However, I think Australia is effectively managing the spread of the virus to flatten the curve of infection, and we health professionals are working very hard to keep vulnerable populations safe and to minimise risks."
The UNE Psychology Clinic has already seen an increase in clients anxious about the pandemic and its impacts, and had implemented safety measures ahead of NSW Health directives.
"It is now pertinent that we take the next level of care," Dr Jefferys said.
"As of next week, psychology students and clients will conduct all sessions online, to avoid face-to-face contact.
"Our country is taking smart action to try to avoid the extreme outcomes we've seen in countries like Italy. To a large degree, I think we will be able to hold the line because of that pro-activity."
She said the bushfires were an incredible example of our ability to be compassionate and kind, and to make tough decisions when we have to.
"We can keep ourselves appropriately informed through reliable sources and choose to move on and still live well," Dr Jefferys said.
"This is an opportunity for personal leadership, for communities to demonstrate their stoicism, and for us to support one another."
She recommended against "being glued to the news and hyper-vigilant".
"We know that panic impacts our immune system and our ability to ward off infection. The more stressed we are, the more vulnerable we become," Dr Jefferys said
For those who find they may not be coping, she advocated taking the gutsy step to seek professional support because the pandemic would create new and additional pressures on our mental health system.