Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza

E. Psychosocial and mental health aspects

People may become quite fearful about the risk of becoming infected. They may worry about how they will manage their sickness, the consequences if they become infected and the potential threat to life if the condition is severe.

If you think you or your family member is suffering anxiety or depression because of the pandemic you should consider further assessment.

To support your family and friends it is helpful to acknowledge concerns. The following strategies may be useful.

• Simple anxiety management techniques
  Simple anxiety management techniques such as taking time out, slow measured breathing, positive actions and relaxation techniques are all helpful. Anxiety is natural in such circumstances.
  
  
• Positive coping strategies
  Helping family and friends identify positive coping strategies that have previously been useful during illness or adversity can help them to mobilise these for the present situation.
  
  
• Keeping in touch
  If people have to stay at home because of the strategies being used to contain the pandemic, suggest they set up phone, text messaging or email/internet support systems to assist themselves and others through this time. This will be particularly important for those who live alone. Ill people who live alone should phone someone, and ask him or her to phone back each day to check they are okay.
  
  
• Support through death
  People who are experiencing bereavement will benefit from support and recognition of their loss.
  
  
• Children
  In the event of any threat, young children may experience anxiety/fears, and may respond with changed behaviours such as withdrawal, regression, clinging or aggressiveness. Older children and adolescents may show bravado—acting as it they are not afraid or do not care.
  
  Helping children through difficult times related to a potential epidemic, school closures and other changes related to managing the pandemic, should involve three key principles.
  1. Provide reassurance of love, comforting and connectedness, to ensure they know that the family is there. This will provide continuity of care and family life for the child.
  2. Provide explanations and simple information about what is happening, what will be done, why and what the child can do. Listen to the child’s concerns and answer questions in simple terms.
  3. Continue the child’s world as far as possible. If the school is closed, continue school work at home, have contact with a few friends, and continue to plan for future activities.

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     This information is current for 03 September, 2010
     This information was issued on 05 December, 2008