Coronavirus and mental health

Taking care of your mental wellbeing

Checking in on our family, friends, colleagues and customers is always important but as this Pandemic continues, this is more important than ever.

Lots of us are feeling worried about the impact of Covid 19 on our lives and each of us will have different feelings around the lockdown restrictions, this is quite normal.

 There are a number of ways to look after your own mental health and support other people who might need help.

Connecting with others and managing loneliness

If restrictions prevent you from meeting up, then plan a call or video chat instead.

• If you perhaps aren't very confident setting up video calls, then the following guide from AgeUK may help, click HERE. 
• Why not join an online community of peer support where you can share experiences and chat to others? The mental health charity Mind runs an online support network HERE.
• Meet with a neighbour in the garden, or meet outdoors for a walk (subject to Government guidelines).
• Listen to the radio or a podcast.
• Listen to an audiobook.
• Find an online church group or support.
• Talk to a friend, colleague or family member about how you are feeling.

Adapt your routine for winter

• Make sure you plan to do some form of exercise every day, a brisk 10-minute walk can clear the head.
• Try to plan your day to get the most out of natural light.
• If you are able to spend time outside, then try to do so.
• Listen to natural sounds such as bird songs, waves or rainfall.
• Take up a new hobby or even rekindle the fire for one you used to do and let slip because life became too busy. Here are a few ideas
• Arts and crafts
• Sewing
• Upcycling some old furniture
• Singing/listening to music
• Writing
• DIY
• Yoga/walking/exercise

You don’t need to be an expert to help someone else

If you think someone you know is anxious or worried, these three simple things could make a big difference.

1. Check in

Pick up the phone, send a text or plan a video call.

2. Listen and reflect

These are challenging times, if someone opens up to you remember you don’t need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening and showing you take someone seriously can help someone manage.

3. Ask Questions

Ask how people are managing and ask again if you are still worried, this can often help someone to open up and explore their feelings.

Support sites

Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.

Mind Infoline

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines

Mind provides confidential mental health information services.

With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The Infoline gives information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind works in partnership with around 140 local Minds, providing local mental health services.

Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line

Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: advice@rethink.org
Website: http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England.

Saneline

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline

Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.

Side by Side

Website: https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/about

Side by Side is an online community where you can listen, share and be heard. Side by Side is run by Mind.