Coronavirus and your mental health

You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people.

There is information available from National Mind to help you cope if:

  • you’re feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus
  • you’re staying at home or avoiding public places as part of social distancing
  • you have to self-isolate. This means you avoid contact with other people and follow strict hygiene rules. The NHS has advice about self-isolation. For how long to self-isolate, see the current government advice here. 

Click the following buttons to be directed to more information:

Coping with Christmas
Plan for staying at home or indoors
Looking after your mental health
Checklist: are you ready to stay at home?

We have gathered some online recourses that may be useful during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please click on the links to find out more information:

How are you feeling? – A trusted source for Young People, Parents and Carers to find advice and support.

Coronavirus and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – A guide for anyone diagnosed with OCD.

Worry Guide – A guide to living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty.

Coronavirus Information – Information about Coronavirus translated into 20 different languages.

PE with Joe Wicks – An live PE lesson every morning (Mon-Fri 9-9:30am) to get people moving and staying active.

Tips for Parents  – Tips for parents supporting their children in these difficult and uncertain times.

Covid-19 CYP – A guide for children and young people regarding the coronavirus.

Every Mind Matters –  A digital hub from Public Health England full of advice, tips and resources.

CYP Mental Health – A guide for parents on how to support children experiencing poor mental health

Hull and East Yorkshire Mind recommend using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing to improve your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

Connect
There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.
It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages. With this in mind, try to do something different today and make a connection:

  • Talk to someone instead of sending an email, you could even video call.
  • Speak to someone new
  • Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you
  • Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is
  • Why not get the family involved in a group Skype session?

Be active
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being. But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good – slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have benefits and provide some level of exercise. Today, why not get physical? Here are a few ideas:

  • Go for a walk at lunchtime.
  • Why not dig the bike out of the garage and go for a bike ride?
  • Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching or gardening.
  • Do an online exercise class. You can find lots of different ones on YouTube.

Take notice
Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness. Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities. Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations. Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:

  • Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
  • Take notice of how your friends or family members are feeling or acting
  • Take a different route on your daily exercise

Keep Learning
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing. Why not learn something new today? Here are a few more ideas:

  • Find out something about your friends, family members or colleagues.
  • Sign up for an online fitness class.
  • Read the news or a book.
  • Do a crossword or Sudoku.
  • Research something you’ve always wondered about.
  • Learn a new word.

Give
Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research. Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing. Why not try one of the following:

  • Why not give your friend or family member a compliment.
  • Sign up to volunteer at your local charity or community group during these unprecedented times.
  • Offer to go to the shops for your vulnerable neighbours.
  • Offer to help around the house.