It’s an uncertain and stressful time. Whether you’re feeling out of sorts, sort of hōhā, a bit down, kinda happy, totally stressed, quite anxious, an emotion you can’t even explain, or a weird combination of lots of these, it’s important to remember all these feelings are normal and expected, and different people will feel different things – even if they’re going through the same experience.

There are all sorts of emotions, and they can combine in all sorts of ways – feelings can change day to day and ups and downs are normal.

If you’ve received a positive test result telling you you have COVID-19, you might be feeling stressed or worried for yourself or your whānau, or maybe you’re ka pai/all good – all of these feelings are normal and expected.

With COVID-19 still in the community, chances are you or someone you know will have to do a stint of home isolation at some point to help keep your loved ones and community safe.

It’s not easy spending so much time at home – it can make us feel isolated, lonely, a bit ‘meh’ or just plain bored. Isolating with others can be hard too. Finding some ‘me time’ while also being there to support whānau or tamariki can be an exhausting juggling act.

If you or someone you know is isolating at home, we’ve come up with a few ideas to help recharge your wellbeing and look after yourself to help you get through isolation in the best possible way.

Young people – our pēpi/babies, tamariki/kids and teenagers – have been through most of COVID-19’s challenges with us, and some others that adults haven't. Keeping them engaged in online schooling and supported in isolation amidst these uncertainties has been exhausting for many parents and young people alike – it’s safe to say that many whānau have felt out of sorts as a result!

The tips and resources below are designed to help support the young people in your household or extended whānau during COVID-19 - and make whānau life that little bit easier right now.

We all need support from time to time, especially when we’re feeling a bit out of sorts. Support might be a big gesture – like delivering food to your local community - or a small one, like sending a text to a loved one. All supportive gestures matter and can really boost people's spirits in all sorts of ways.

Despite the challenges everyone’s been going through during COVID-19, we’ve been encouraged and amazed by the many New Zealanders who've lent a hand to others in ways big or small. Our stories and resources below share the incredible support some Aucklanders have shown to one another, and some tips on how you can support someone else who needs it, too.

Most people don’t particularly like having injections. But for some, just the thought of needles can be extremely anxiety-inducing. Sometimes, a fear of needles can cause us to avoid medical procedures that we might otherwise want or need.

This resource explains more about needle phobia and provides some tips and tools to help you or a loved one overcome it.