Bunbury psychologist’s tips to beat the pandemic blues

A Bunbury psychologist has penned a chapter in a book about life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jay Anderson, pictured, said she was approached to contribute a chapter on a topic of her choosing for Surviving to Thriving: When life gives you lemons, which combines writing from international professionals offering practical advice on how to maintain mental health, business and well-being during the tumultuous times of this year.

The chapter marks Mrs Anderson’s sixth published book chapter and she has her sights set on more, with an ambition of one day writing her own book.

Mrs Anderson wrote about managing relationships when everyone was stuck at home during lockdown, with the chapter titled Stuck at Home? From overwhelmed and stressed to engaged and connected.

“I was asked at the start when people were in lockdown at home with their families and children,” she said.

“I know that can be challenging and so I wanted the chapter to help people to connect with their partners and families when going through that.

Ultimately, it’s about helping them with strategies to connect better.

“It’s a psychologist’s perspective on improving family dynamics — the strength of the parent-child relationship and the cohesiveness of the couple relationship,” Mrs Anderson wrote.

“A worldwide health crisis has turned 2020 into a year that no one expected ... some will experience fear, anxiety and paranoia, while others will re-focus, re-engage and increase their resilience. Where will you be?”