Wendy Burke
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.
Adapt your routine for winter
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tags: Health