Speaker: Being away from home when something traumatic happens is a unique kind of struggle. So if you're living in or traveling through Australia away from friends and family, you might be finding it quite hard to cope right now. But though it might not feel like it, you're not alone. Here are some ways to cope during this tough time. 


Text on screen reads: CONNECT WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS


Speaker: Even if it's a weird time difference, still make that call back home because hearing your loved ones' voices really does make a difference. But you want to also try and lean on the connections that you do have here. So text a workmate or some friends you've made at a hostel. Even if you're not that close with them, still reach out. Now's the time that the community really comes together and you might find that people are more keen than they were before to hang out, go get a coffee, or chat on the phone. 


Text on screen reads: FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL


We can't control events like this, and that can feel really, really scary. But what we can control is our own actions, and that can be really helpful and make us feel safe. So start by thinking about the media you're consuming. Is it too much, or is it the right amount? Is it making you feel good or bad? 


Text on screen reads: RECLAIM YOUR ROUTINE


Another thing that we can control is our routine. So, do things that feel really familiar to you. This could be making a meal from home or even just going to the gym at the same time you have been every single day. Having a steady routine can help us feel stable when everything around us feels chaotic. 



Text on screen reads: GET PROFESSIONAL HELP


Sometimes when we're feeling lonely and overwhelmed, we need more support than what our friends can offer. You can reach out to local professional support services who will understand these feelings of isolation. Being far away from home and your support network is really tough, but remember you're a part of this community now, too. And in times of distress, it's so important to lean on each other to find hope and to heal together. And if you're looking for more tips to look after your wellbeing, you can find lots of articles and resources on ReachOut.