Each blow has been described as "unprecedented". Each disaster has prompted a massive relief effort.

They've come in such rapid succession, folding over each other like molten lava pouring down a mountainside, each attempt to return to normal not even able to cool and set before the next wave comes rolling over the top.

One of the big conversations these relief efforts have generated is about mental health and suicide prevention.

This isn't a new feature of disaster response, but the subject has been emphasised earlier and spoken about more prominently than I remember ever happening before. And this is a good thing.

It's commonly acknowledged that past generations found it difficult to talk openly about the emotional toll of disastrous events, whether the devastation of war or economic depression.

We now see people from across the community speaking up about how they've reached out for emotional support or counselling.

While mental health struggles may have been characterised as a weakness in the past, we now understand that it's normal to be impacted and a strength to seek help.

There's no escaping the reach of the invisible enemy we're now facing.

It's impacting almost every aspect of our lives and forcing us to abstain from the activities and daily rituals that act as foundational pillars of our communities. Anxiety, worry, anger, hopelessness, stress, trauma, depression ... these are all perfectly reasonable responses to this current reality.

You don't have to warrant a clinical diagnosis to need support.

So it's worth reminding ourselves that there are things we can all do to maintain good mental health or enable recovery, even during a shutdown period.

Complying with advice to keep physically distant from people where possible doesn't have to mean becoming socially isolated.

Social media is full of examples of how people are coming up with creative ways to connect: the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra playing Beethoven's ninth symphony via a video conference call.

The "Couch Choir" that features 1000 people singing 'Close to You' from 1000 different locations.

The Italian neighbours playing music from their balconies.

It might not go viral online, and you may not become a social media sensation, but even small acts of kindness can help.

Read more:

One of my neighbours put a note in the letterbox of all the houses in our street offering to help with shopping, run errands, or just be a listening ear for anyone in need.

Even if no one takes up their offer, this lovely note made us feel just a little less alone.

Simply a regular phone call to friends or family would likely help them, as well as you.

As workplaces are moving to virtual offices and staff are asked to work from home, people might feel the pressure to maintain the same level of productivity (or more!).

I've been working from home the past two weeks and, like many people, I've also had my kids home from school.

Getting the balance right isn't easy.

Kids are invariably "soooo bored" of all the toys they have at home, and they occasionally 'need' to interrupt video meetings with important questions such as, "why do fingernails grow faster than toenails?", or "who's your favourite Formula 1 driver?".

After just a few days, I've come to accept that it may not be reasonable to expect my finest parenting over this shutdown period.

For those of us trying to continue working while also looking after children, just keeping them fed, watered and safe may have to be enough for a little while.

But for those who are struggling with their mental health, whether this began some time ago or is a direct result of living through a time of heightened anxiety, there are supports available.

Many local providers are able to connect with people over the phone or via video.

Things won't be so difficult forever.

There will come a time when social restrictions begin to lift and we'll be able to resurface to see our friends, families, and the familiar faces of people who are part of our daily routines again.

We're all feeling the loss of our usual connections.

So, until we are able to hug our friends and families, or just have a chat to the bloke at our local café, look after yourselves and those around you as best you can.

Alex Hains is the regional manager of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative

If you need some help at this time please go to blackdoginstitute.org.au/COVID-19

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.