Managing your health and wellbeing during COVID-19

Gymnastics Australia has been working round-the-clock with the AIS and medical experts to ensure that your health and safety is at the forefront whilst we navigate this unprecedented situation.

We understand the impact on you during this period of uncertainty and disruption in terms of closures, tour cancellations, isolations, etc, so it is really important that the physical and mental health and wellbeing of yourself and those around you, is maintained during this time.

We have pulled together the resources below to and support information for you to refer to as we all work our way through this challenging time.

If you have any concerns that you would like to chat through, please reach out ausgym@gymnastics.org.au and we will aim to guide you where we can.

– Dr Kathy Yu, Chief Medical Officer, Gymnastics Australia

As we move into the peak season for influenza and common colds, this situation is even more complicated.

Many respiratory illnesses have the same symptoms as COVID-19, but to test everyone would be impractical and a drain on the health system.

There is still far, far greater rate of common cold, than there is COVID-19.

Please take the following steps to promote wellness, and support your immune system:

  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat well
  • Continue physical activity
  • Pay attention to personal hygiene
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet, before preparing or eating food
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Get a flu vaccination (available from April 2020)

If you show any symptoms at all, you must take action to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Call your GP or the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 (available 24/7) and they will guide you re: next steps.

If you are isolated

  • Make sure your wider health needs are being looked after such as having enough prescription medicines available to you
  • Develop a routine that suits you. Think about your needs such as meals, exercise, sleep, medication and how you will organise your day and home to create your new routine. Writing it out can help
  • If you are well enough, find activities to keep your mind and body stimulated, including getting creative, exercising in your home, or self-care
  • Connect with your friends and family via phone, email or social media
  • Stay informed with good-quality, factual information from credible sources but also take the time to switch-off from the news and watch your favourite TV show or movie or even read a book
  • Don’t be afraid to rely on others to deliver medication, food or essential supplies to you to comply with your self-isolation requirements. Remember that you are helping others and potentially saving lives.

    • For further information on self-isolation, please refer to: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources

We understand the effect the COVID-19 outbreak is currently having on life in general and the significant knock-on effect that it’s also had on the gymnastics community regarding qualifications, training, competitions, work, schooling and general living.

This can be worrying and frustrating. It is normal and okay to feel overwhelmed by news of the outbreak, particularly if you have experienced mental health issues before.

It is really important to look after your wellbeing during this time and know what resources and support networks are available to you.

If you’re feeling anxious or worried, seek support if you need it.

National mental health organisations have some great online resources available and are always a good starting point.

Contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 for free counselling. Or refer to their website where there is specific information regarding COVID-19 and your mental health and wellbeing

If you would prefer to speak to psychologist, under the Medicare “Better Access” initiative, your GP can prepare a Mental Health Plan for you and make a referral to receive up to 10 Medicate-funded psychological sessions. Depending on who you see, these sessions could be bulk-billed and fully-funded or you may need to just pay the gap.

You can find further information on these services here.

Please be aware that you may need to wait to see your GP as they are working tirelessly on this outbreak.

If you are urgently concerned about your wellbeing or that of someone close to you, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for immediate 24/7 support. If someone’s life is in danger, immediately call 000.

  • If you are well, there is no need to change any training or other physical activity (apart from athletes who are in self-isolation periods).
  • Do not attend training if you have a fever, or other respiratory symptom. Contact your doctor to get advice on management. Make sure you tell your doctor about any recent travel, or contact with other people who are unwell.
  • Keep your environment clean by disposing of tissues and rubbish, always have a towel with you and remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow so that droplets do not fall onto mats and equipment
  • Gymnasts, judges, and spectators should practice social distancing at all times; staying approximately 1.5metres from other people, where practical is recommended.