While "the new normal" might be the way we describe our COVID-directed society these days, there's no "normal" way to be feeling about it.
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A year that began with devastating bushfires, relentless threats and multiple evacuations, followed up with pandemic lockdowns, panic buying and "unprecedented" challenges to our way of living and national economy.
It's not surprising then that many in our community are feeling the strain and finding support through a variety of recovery services and mental health professionals.
Among them is Headspace Bega, which has a focus on youth but has been busy right across the Valley with outreach programs and community engagement opportunities.
Liz Scott is Headspace Bega's community engagement officer for bushfire recovery, and she spoke to ACM as we approach the anniversary of the New Year's Eve bushfire disaster.
While there's no "normal" way to be feeling, Ms Scott said people are understandably feeling overwhelmed and stressed about this summer season.
"It's when those feelings of being overwhelmed affects your ability to do what you usually do, or if you aren't finding joy in what you regularly do for enjoyment, that's a sign you could use some support," Ms Scott said.
'What we have found is that a lot of people are reluctant to access professional support for a number of different reasons, often because they don't believe it can help. However, speaking with a mental health clinician can help clarify some of the things people are experiencing and provide strategies that can help you get through the tough times.
"That can be very empowering for them to know.
"People are also experiencing a lot of grief and loss and that takes time to process. It's different for everyone.
"There's no 'normal' response, and there's no right or wrong.
"Feeling anxious and worried is fine - acknowledge that and understand its affect on you."
Ms Scott said, as well as seeking support should you need it, taking time out to focus on yourself and things you enjoy doing was key to mental wellbeing.
Headspace predominantly deals with youth issues, and Ms Scott said 2020 had been particularly tough on young people.
That the bushfires were closely followed by COVID and all that the pandemic entailed has meant a traumatic and disruptive year for developing minds.
"Unfortunately it has really highlighted the existing vulnerabilities we have here in the Bega Valley, in fact all over Australia," Ms Scott said.
"Those who were vulnerable even before the beginning of all this have become more so now with everything that has happened this year.
"'Youth' is not one big homogenous group...but we've found that those who are supported in their family life and their community are the ones travelling the best.
"People are recovering. It's those who are feeling connected, those with social capital who are a bit further along."
Not surprisingly, it has also been a challenging year for Ms Scott and her colleagues at Headspace and fellow mental health support services.
"It's been a really tough year. Those of us in the sector are feeling extremely overwhelmed," she said.
"We're part of this community too and we're also dealing with our own experiences.
"However, it has been so rewarding seeing the recovery happen and seeing the impacts we can have on a young person when they see that someone cares."
Ms Scott said Headspace was keen to continue building on that positive impact in our region's youth through advocating for them to have a voice in the recovery space.
"There's already a lot said about children and families, but that group of 16-to-25-year-olds is often overlooked," she said.
"If anyone feels they want to be involved in the recovery, I encourage them to get in contact."
Headspace Bega is located on the Sapphire Marketplace rooftop car park and is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 5pm. It also has an outpost at Eden. Call 1800 959 844 or visit https://headspace.org.au.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is always available
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au
Bega Valley Shire Council's Bushfire Recovery Support Service (Case management and person to person support for everyone impacted by the 2020 Bega Valley Bushfire): 6499 2345 or recovery@begavalley.nsw.gov.au