The recent COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in changes to the way people live and many are now living in close confines with their family members or partners.
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Port Macquarie counsellors have offered their advice to surviving this period, which they say can be a time where tensions run high.
Bronwyn Dillon from Encounter Counselling said it's important to be aware of different personalities in the household, open lines of communication and establish boundaries.
Given a lot of parents might be juggling commitments with work while also trying to ensure their children remain occupied, Ms Dillon said it's important people recognise when to give each other space.
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One child in the household might be more of an extrovert, while another would appreciate some quiet space, Ms Dillon gave as an example.
She said parents can establish activities according to their children's personalities, such as skyping school friends instead of seeing them and allowing children time for themselves to read after lunch.
An established quiet room in the house, Ms Dillon said can be a great thing for all members of the household to use at different points when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Ms Dillon said if tensions are running high in the household, it's important for people to express how they are feeling by talking to each other and asking children to relay their emotions.
"Otherwise frustration and anger can splash out," she said.
For couples who do not have children, Ms Dillon said this time can be a great way for them to reconnect.
She said it can be a chance for them to communicate and establish a deeper level of trust and safety.
Activities couples can explore together can be the same they would enjoy if they just started dating, such as watching a comedy movie or even just cooking together.
Ms Dillon encourages couples to omit any accusive language when they have to raise an issue with their partner.
Instead, she said people should use the word 'I feel' to start off the conversation.
Catherine Letchford from Clarity Counselling said people in a partnership should be mindful they're not the only one who is in isolation and take into consideration the feelings of their spouse too.
"Even where you're aware of nuances, remind yourself of the positive things your partner does for you," she said.
"It might be a little thing like making you a cup of tea or coffee."
For children, their whole world is going to change which Ms Letchford said can cause them to become emotional and overwhelmed.
She said it's important for parents to get down on their level, explain what is going on and let them have those emotions.
"They can't control their feelings in the same way an adult can," Ms Lecthford explained.
It's important for adults to use language such as 'I understand' when a child is expressing their feelings and for them to explain the situation won't last forever.
For mental health support call Lifeline: 13 11 14
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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