The heavy burden of decision making for young families during COVID

Brittany McGill, clinical psychologist and PhD candidate at the Behavioural Sciences Unit, recently wrote an article for ABC news on the heavy burden of decision making for young families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, Brittany explored evidence-based psychological coping strategies to help parents manage anxiety about decision-making in situations with high levels of uncertainty, such as a global pandemic. These ideas included:
i. Shift focus to what you can control;
ii. Acknowledge that there may be no ‘right’ answer, but only what is best for your family; and
iii. Practise self-compassion and kindness to others.

Brittany acknowledges that COVID-related decision-making may be particularly complex and burdensome for families of children with a chronic illness, and for parents who are essential workers.  

​Support is available for any person or family experiencing COVID-related distress.  See:

• Beyond Blue’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing support service:  1800 512 348
• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800

For other cancer-related support resources, check out the BSU’s ‘Useful links’

The full ABC article is available here