By Monique Conibear

On a camping trip a few months ago, we had to drive over a 4WD track in 2WD cars after dark to find another site after our original campsite fell through. We were all tired and stressed, driving over sharp rocks and getting scratches all over the sides of the car. At the time it was horrible, however afterwards, I realised that through experiencing something like that we were now better equipped to deal with challenges in the future.

I still find it crazy to think that this time two months ago we had no idea this was all going to happen. We were going ahead as normal, planning out our semester and looking forward to events with no idea what was ahead of us. As usual, I was setting goals for the semester; trying to predict what sort of schedule I would have so that I could organise going to the gym more, using social media less and minimizing screen time. Goals such as this have become impossible, but instead I am growing in ways I never would have imagined.

Already I have learned a lot about dealing with uncertainty. You are never going to know exactly what your future will look like and that is okay. I don’t know whether the state will be going into lockdown tomorrow, whether I will start to develop viral symptoms or if someone I know will get sick. Usually that would make me stressed and anxious, however through this experience I have really learnt how to give it to God. I’ve learnt to acknowledge that he is in control and that I do not have to worry about what is happening. This has really helped me to remain positive and hopeful so that whenever I receive bad news I am able to remain peaceful and confident that we will all get through.

I have also learnt a lot about leadership through this time. In all of my committees we have had to brainstorm new and innovative ways to reach out to people, such as through Zoom calls, self-care videos and posts (such as this one). We have become better at thinking outside of the box, so that when everything goes back to normal we will still be able to implement some of these strategies to reach the students.

Finally, this experience is an opportunity to build resilience. Later on during that same camping trip, a friend and I found ourselves stranded at a random campsite (that needed to be booked) at 11pm with no service and no other place to stay. While our other friends went to try and book online, we were stuck there wondering whether we would need to drive another hour before we could actually get some sleep. Personally, I found that hard to deal with and if I hadn’t experienced other challenges in the past, I may not have been able to handle the stress.

This isolation experience is very similar. During this time it feels horrible and stressful and lonely. When we look back in a year or two, however, we will be able to say that it prepared us for future challenges in a way we never expected.

By Molly Maxwell

When I entered Year A, I knew that the hardest challenges I would face would be those that I had not considered. A global pandemic was definitely not something I had prepared for. As today is my first day of online schooling, I feel there is no better time to share some ways we can adapt to our new version of normal and get out the other side to help all of the medical staff who are fighting for us today.

 How to: Pandemic University

1. Most important (for all aspects of life) is routine. Establishing a routine of “normal” study hours is essential to allow us to maintain our sanity whilst in isolation. This includes actually getting out of bed and getting dressed which can be challenging when you don’t have to.
2. Make an online study group. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, this is not so hard for us through Zoom, Facetime, or the Forest app. It’s a great way to keep yourself accountable and maintain some socialisation.
3. Be adaptable. Online learning is not the greatest way for us to learn to be doctors but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a good way. Accept our new challenges for what they are and use this time to build resilience and adaptability which is essential for our future.

How to: Outbreak Wellbeing

1. Remember to exercise. With gyms closing around the country, it’s important to still maintain an exercise regime at home. A plethora of online at home workouts exist for free on the internet so you can look after your body whilst in isolation.
2. Go outside. With social distancing and isolation our reality, remember to still go outside. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard or balcony, use it. A bit of vitamin D and fresh air can do wonders for our wellbeing in trying times.
3. Social distancing doesn’t mean distancing socially. Whilst we can’t go and hang out at the pub or with all our friends for the time being it is important that you still make an effort to communicate. This golden age of technology means that remote communication is as easy as ever so find new ways to hang out whether it be a niche PowerPoint night broadcast over zoom or daily phone calls with people you love.

How to: Nurture your mental health

1. Acknowledge your feelings. This is a scary time for everyone. It is okay to feel frightened or stressed or defeated, but you are not alone. Let yourself be not okay. Remember that this is a temporary situation and that you will not have to feel this way forever.
2. Reach out. If you are struggling to manage your mental health during this crisis, seek help. If you are already seeing a mental health practitioner, many offer telehealth to attend your appointments from home. There are also many online resources from Beyond Blue and Lifeline that can give you handy tips including this forum to speak with people who are in the same boat as you.
3. Self- care. Now is a perfect time to incorporate self-care into your daily routine and make looking after yourself a priority. This can be anything from taking a relaxing bath to getting ready for the day. Make sure to prioritise making yourself feel good (easier said than done). We all deserve to go a bit easier on ourselves right now.

Hopefully some of this was helpful to you. If all else fails, download Tik Tok and go on a deep dive. This whole pandemic thing should be over by the time you get out. Wash your hands and be kind to people!

By Rav Sellahewa 

You’re too harsh on yourself. You have always been your sharpest

critic. You have a strong and over-powering superego, a voice in the

back of your head- that tells you off. You hear it whenever you don’t

study, whenever you don’t gym. It tells you off when you want to

relax. It represents an idealized self-image of yourself. An image

that you no longer have the tenacity to maintain. You have spent too

many years of your life trying to appease it. Too many years fighting

off the urge to laze around and watch Netflix. You’ve finished 4 years

of medical school, a BMedSc(hons), and are nearly done with your first

5th year rotation and you are tired. You’ve earnt a break. You need a

break. Tell your super-ego to go get f****d. It’s time to give in to

your impulses and desires- and let your Id shine. It’s time to watch

that god-awful reality dating show on Netflix and enjoy it, because

you deserve it.”