Name: Ella Rohde
Grade: Year 10
Age: 16 Years
School: Goulburn Valley Grammar School
Hometown and State: Shepparton, Victoria
LIFTING US UP – How can women and girls empower each other and their communities in times of uncertainty and change?
Abruptly, we feel like the world has drained us of everything we had. All around the world lives have come to a sudden halt as we face the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic. Times of doubt often have negative impacts on oneäó»s mental health and affect how one feels, thinks, and acts. Psychological troubles are challenging to overcome and as so checking in with others is one of the most important things needed during this time. Women and girls need the power and reassurance that they can turn to one another for assistance in conquering any battle or hardship.
Impacts of the of the Coronavirus pandemic such as social and physical distancing and isolation can all make women feel anxious, stressed, worried and alone. The Australian Bureau of Statistic found that of their latest Coronavirus survey, 35% reported feelings of nervousness and 42% experienced restlessness. Another Monash University survey found a significant rise in anxiety and depression due to the mental health effects of Covid-19. From the 1,200 surveyed, majority stated they had mild levels of anxiety and depression and 30% reported moderate to high levels of anxiety.
Being cooped up and isolated for months on end, can leave one feeling severely lonely. Face to face interaction is typically a granted contentment with no effort needed for it to occur. Now this simple pleasure has been taken away and individuals are the ones required to make an effort for simple interactions. A constant loop consisting of school, food, phones, and exercise lets days blend into one longing period and tasks begin to feel pointless. From this, habits of indolence evolve and work ethic for simple tasks such as communication drop. This illustrates how negative psychological influences begin to manipulate one’s emotions and behaviour.
Women are twice as likely to be affected by depression and anxiety compared to men. Although this relates to differences in brain chemistry and hormone fluctuations, women faced with stresses are additionally more likely to ruminate about them, further increasing their anxiety.
So how can women help one another? What can I do to help someone? It can be hard to see people close to you experience stress. There is no right or wrong way to go about checking in with someone having a hard time with their mental health and wellbeing but the best thing to do is listen to and support them.
Start talking! It is no secret; many find themselves guilty of rambling on, so have a conversation. Ask them if they would like to talk. They may not and this is also okay but offer your support or suggest organisations that they may reach out to. If they feel comfortable talking then listen to them to let them know that you care, but always treat them with respect and dignity- we are women after all! Other things that can help include supporting them to surround themselves with positive people and happy interactions. Furthermore, strive to be that bright spark. Be a role model for all women. Celebrate each other’s wins and lift each other up, so we can feel empowered by one another in the face of adversity.
Sometimes we are unaware of the battles others are fighting. By leading with and open heart, mind and positive intentions women can support and empower each other to overcome mental health issues that arise during daunting and ever-changing times. Successful businesswomen, Leslie Littlejohn states life’s philosophy and advice to women is to “be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world that it was crooked.”
-Ella Rohde
Reference List:
Australian Government Department of Health 2019, Mental health, Australian Government Department of Health, viewed 1 September 2020, .
How to check in with someone during the coronavirus pandemic äóñ Beyond Blue n.d., coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au, viewed 4 September 2020, .
Main Features – Key findings 2020, Abs.gov.au, c=AU; o=Commonwealth of Australia; ou=Australian Bureau of Statistics, viewed 31 August 2020, .
Remes, O 2016, Women are far more anxious than men äóñ Hereäó»s the science, The Conversation, viewed 1 September 2020, .
Scott, S & Kinsella, E 2020, Mental Health and COVID-19 äóî how the coronavirus is affecting our way of life – ABC News, www.abc.net.au, viewed 31 August 2020, .