Advice from the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) on how to keep your spirits up during the lockdown and where to find help if you need it

FROM THE ODOB

Covid-19 and being in lockdown can create a lot of emotion and anxiety.
 
The Board is aware that these changes can cause stress and impact mental wellbeing. Whilst there are things that we can’t control now, there are things we can do to boost our mental health wellbeing and that of your loved ones. 

• Stay connected. The Board would like to encourage anyone struggling to come to terms with the current situation to seek support.  This may be to a professional (see details below) or it may be by calling your friends and whanau or maybe even calling out to a neighbour. 
• Acknowledge your feelings.
• Stick to routines where possible.
• Don’t be afraid to seek further professional support.

If you need mental wellbeing support or advice you can call or text 1737 to access the national telehealth support line anytime day or night to talk to a trained counsellor. Other resources we recommend:

The Getting Through Together Campaign - developed by All Right? in conjunction with Canterbury DHB and the Mental Health Foundation, this site has tips and advice on ways to get through, stay connected, and support everyone’s wellbeing:

• allright.org.nz/campaigns/getting-through-together

Self-care and support for New Zealanders during Covid-19 - An online community with psychosocial resources, peer support and self-care tools to help NZ’ers struggling with anxiety or loneliness during lock down and beyond. It is intended to alleviate some of the burden on primary care by enabling providers to easily refer patients to something that is endorsed by the MOH and where patients are supported by a team of support workers (health coaches, community managers and counsellors) in a moderated online community:

• melonhealth.com/covid-19/

Links can also be found on the dedicated Covid-19 page on the Boards website: www.odob.health.nz/covid-19-information/

 
If you’re not sure what assistance may be available, or you don’t know who to contact for help, call the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997
 
One of the Boards role is to ensure practitioners are safe and fit to practise, especially at a time like this. Section 45 of the HPCA Act 2003 relates to notification of inability to perform required functions due to mental or physical condition. Under this section of the Act, if a registered health practitioner has reason to believe that a health practitioner is unable to perform the functions required for the practice of his or her profession because of some mental or physical condition, they must promptly give the registrar of the responsible authority written notice of all the circumstances. The registrar can be reached by email: Antony.McFelin@odob.health.nz or on 04 474 0705.

As I mentioned previously, no matter who you work for or what title you have – support each other and yourself! Be kind and reach out for help or support this.

We are all in this together and we will get through this.

Kia kaha,

Jayesh Chouhan
ODOB Board chair