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Dealing with stress

31 August 2020

If there’s two words that have summed up the source of anxiety for many families in 2020, it’s “financial stress”. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many people either losing their jobs or being forced onto a reduced income. Financial stress can have a huge impact on families.  And with the JobKeeper program set to be cut back at the end of September, there’s a feeling Australia is headed for an economic cliff.

There will be a 60 per cent decline in JobKeeper applicants due to tightened eligibility by the end of September, as well as a rollback of the six-month moratorium on insolvent trading and changes to the statutory demand regime which extends the time for compliance and the debt threshold.

Essentially, companies will need to start dealing with outstanding liabilities, and directors will be back on risk for their company incurring debts.

Experts believe the key to handling stress is you – because stress is personal and what’s stressful for one person, may not be for another.

Australian mental health organisation, the Black Dog Institute, has 10 tips for dealing with stress, particularly during a global pandemic.

  1. Be informed and plan ahead. Often if people feel something is out of their control, it becomes a source of stress. Get the facts on COVID-19 and follow the advice from the medical experts and the government.
  2. Limit your exposure to social media. While it’s important to stay informed, sometimes that can be overwhelming. Choose one trusted news source and read or watch one update from that source each day.
  3. What fuels your anxiety? Are you worried that a scratchy throat might be something more serious? Don’t rely on Dr Google. Stay calm and speak to the experts.
  4. Focus on the here and now. There’s no point worrying about what might happen, so try and live in the moment.
  5. Be aware of negative thoughts. Take a step back if you can recognise you’re stuck in a loop of negative thinking.
  6. Look after your health. Eat right, exercise if you can and make sure you get plenty of rest.
  7. Stay connected with others. If you’re physically separated from family and friends, take the time to speak over the phone or on FaceTime.
  8. Help others. When we help other people, we feel so much better. Is there somewhere you can volunteer your time? Maybe you spent social isolation cleaning out the wardrobe – donate those unwanted items to a worthy cause.
  9. Take a breath. Some days, it’s just all too much. Stop and take a deep breath, it really does make a difference.
  10. Seek professional help. It’s ok to not be ok, and talking to a professional is always a good idea. Many therapists and counsellors are offering consultations over the phone or via Zoom.

It’s important to remember we’re facing unprecedented times. Taking care of yourself, so you can take care of your family, is vital.

To get specialised advice with one of our experienced family lawyers, contact us today. We offer a fixed fee, no obligation initial appointment. To arrange, phone (07) 3221 4300 or email [email protected] or fill in our online form.

Dealing with stress. Accompanying picture: mother and daughter taking care of home plants at table indoors
2020-08-26T11:55:09+10:00

Client Testimonials

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T.C., Tarragindi

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A.O., North Brisbane
Amy, thanks very much to you and your team. Throughout my dealings with MLFL I have been continually impressed with your level of professionalism and, in particular, your understanding of circumstances and the articulate way you conduct yourself. I was completely satisfied with today’s outcome and without your experience and expertise in family law I doubt that the result would have been achieved.
M.R., West End

After utilising the mediation services team recommended by your organisation, my ex-partner and I were able to reach some interim agreements about parenting. I am incredibly grateful for the advice provided by Debra Effeney; and found your firm’s services to be exceptionally professional. If we needed to consult a family lawyer in the future, we would have no hesitation in reconnecting with your firm.

K.M., Paddington
Thank you for providing me with a professional yet empathetic approach to gain the best outcome for me. My solicitor was excellent in explaining the processes and in representing me in Court. You have great customer service!
T.V., Everton Park

I was always confident that I was getting the very best advice.

T.S., Flinders
I always felt that the service provided by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers was of a high standard. Each time, after appointments I came away feeling secure. Keep doing what you are and maintain the ‘family feel’ that permeates your services.
C.W., Brookfield

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers know what they are talking about.

R.M., Warwick
I liked my solicitor keeping things as simple as possible.
S.M., Clayfield
I like that my lawyer treated me like a friend and kept jargon to a minimum. She was easy to contact and kept me informed.
L.R., Samford
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers have really listened to me. I felt confident my case was handled well. The law has changed recently, and I did not feel that a previous law practice I spoke to was suitably up-to-date.
P.B., Carindale
I was guided through a really difficult time with expertise of Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. I am more than happy with the outcome of mediation.
J.H., Windaroo

Your staff is knowledgeable, professional and very calm.

A.C., Helensvale
Your team’s communication with me was exceptional, I knew exactly what was happening.
A.A., Eatons Hill
Michael, thank you again for your presence here yesterday. We really appreciated the clarity and accessibility of your presentation. It is a rare thing to find somebody who not only has expertise, but also has a skill in communicating it.
J.S., Brisbane
If I need a family lawyer in the future I’ll be heading to Michael Lynch Family Lawyers again.
C.W., Brookfield
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the excellent professional services I received. In a word, priceless.
D.H., Hendra
Many thanks for your assistance – life is now great – I’m moving on.
J.K., Mansfield

My lawyer has been an amazing help through this stressful time. I will remember her help for the rest of my life. Thank you.

J.H., Brisbane

I would like to thank your firm for the support and compassion shown while dealing with my matter.

C.M., Brisbane

Thank you for being very personable, professional and always providing me with the most appropriate advice in my times of difficulty. The other party’s lawyers were extremely aggressive, while Michael Lynch Family Lawyers remained calm and professional.

S.D., Parkinson
Your team is professional, warm, friendly and real.
N.R., Crows Nest

I have appreciated the way that you and the staff at your firm have handled my situation. I would especially like to mention the professional and caring way my lawyer conducted my case, I am deeply grateful and extremely happy with the results. I will be referring others to your service.

J.H., Wellington Point

Thank you, you kept me sane in a difficult situation and gave me the encouragement and the confidence to keep going. You made me feel extremely comfortable.

A.M., Chambers Flat
My lawyer acted with professionalism in all her dealings with me and with the lawyer on the other side. I was always kept in the loop. I liked her approach. Thanks.
D.S., Coorparoo
Amy, thank you for all that you have done during this matter. You impressed me with your professionalism from our initial meeting, and you have proven beyond doubt, to have had the skills and knowledge required. You are a credit to the company, and I would highly recommend you to anyone in a similar situation.
R.P., Cleveland

I just wanted to get in touch to say thanks for helping me get through my custody and settlement. Thanks again to you and your staff. You have had a significant positive impact in my kids’ lives!

B.S., Brisbane
Amy’s work was extremely professional but above all she has a manner and wisdom in dealing with people under stress. I will be recommending your firm to anyone that requires assistance.
K.H., Augustine Heights
My family lawyer was very helpful in assisting me to combat a very ugly situation without stooping to the low levels that the other solicitor attempted to take us.
M.J., Manly

I was very impressed with the initial interview. Everything was well-explained, and the advice was honest about what I should expect.

C.M., Morningside
Thank you for your ongoing conciliatory approach in this matter and as always I appreciate your level headed advice. I certainly feel that I ended up with the right Solicitor.
S.C., Nundah
The professionalism and reliability delivered by Amy Honan was fantastic. I had an urgent matter around my property sale and Amy offered to provide assistance over a weekend if I required it – that’s above and beyond!
E.F., Nundah
I was impressed by my solicitor’s attention to detail and her concern for me, and that the process was explained to me and that I understood it at all times.
B.W., Chapel Hill
I appreciate my lawyer’s professional approach and her being on top of my situation.
N.S., Mt Gravatt
Michael is very personable and very good at covering the material and explaining the strategy.
J.O., Hawthorne

At Michael Lynch Family Lawyers I got professional and ‘no-nonsense’ advice, costs were within quoted amounts and my matter was resolved quickly – well done!

L.R., Ascot
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K.B., Carina
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers always gave me competent and knowledgeable advice. I was consistently kept up to date. The meetings and phone calls were kept business-like, yet caring and thoughtful of my emotional state at the time. Thank you.
J.S., Holland Park
My solicitor provided a personalised service, prompt and quick responses and cost information prior to my commitment.
G.C., Southport

My solicitor is a good listener. My documentation maintained the high moral ground.

S.S., Hamilton
I like your friendly service and the ability to speak to my solicitor directly.
R.G., Wishart

We had such a positive experience with Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, and we highly recommend their services. Meticulous attention to detail, attended quickly to every additional request we made, and made sure we always knew exactly where we were every step of the way. Our lawyer took what was such a stressful and emotional time for our family, and made the process feel so smooth and seamless.

N.B., Brisbane

Thank you for helping me through this difficult time. You have been caring, compassionate and efficient. Some of my divorcing friends have not been so fortunate. In my mind, you are the best family lawyer in Brisbane. If anyone I know needs a good family lawyer, I will tell them to speak to you. Thanks again.

B.T., Clayfield
Thank you for the great newsletter. Your article on “Coping with Christmas” is brilliant – clear, caring and helpful. Thanks again!
C.T., Bribie Island

My lawyer was the most knowledgeable of all lawyers I spoke to when looking for a lawyer. Michael Lynch Family Lawyers showed professionalism.

R.R., Brighton

I really liked the personable service by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, the simple plain language you adopt and everyone’s patience.

A.O., Kedron
Thank you, you placed my needs first, you were aware of the need to reach a final result and not get caught up in the personal issues of the other party.
S.L., Moranbah
Lovely to deal with and provides a balanced view in what are very difficult circumstances.
A.C., Morningside
So pleased to have had a good, sound and knowledgeable firm.
C.W., Brookfield
I really appreciated the happiness of your secretarial staff.
G.C., Clayfield

Thank you Debra for all the work you did for me, you both made the process manageable and brought sense to the chaos.

R.B., Toowong
The staff at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers were great. Everyone was fantastic, professional, understanding, caring and always communicated with me. I knew I was in good hands.
A.A., Eatons Hill

I’m very glad ‘Michael Lynch Family Lawyers’ is my lawyer and not the other side’s solicitor.

S.S., Hamilton
A personalised and professional service. Information has been clear and provided timely to assist my decision-making.
S.S., Hamilton

Many thanks to Stephanie for her help and support through this time, I was incredibly impressed with her work.

L.K., North Lakes
Amy, thank you. You have been diligent, accurate and pro-active for the entire duration of my matter. I appreciate it.
R.P., Cleveland

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are easy to deal with, and your systems are good.

D.T., Ferny Grove

Thank you very much to everyone at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Thank you for helping me get my life back and make a fresh start. To have that fresh start without fear and anxiety is priceless.

A.A., Perth
Thank you for the outstanding legal advice you have provided and professionalism in which you conduct yourself. I am truly thankful that it was you who represented me.
M.T., Stafford