Coronavirus and your mental health

If you’ve found the coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic is affecting your mental health, you’re certainly not alone. This is a brand new situation for all of us. We’re all having to change our behaviour and live with a lot of uncertainty.

Hopefully you’re doing everything you can to safeguard your physical health, like staying at home and washing your hands regularly. But you should remember to look after your mental health, too.

There’s a lot of information and advice out there on coronavirus and mental health. But constantly refreshing the internet for answers might not be good for your wellbeing. So we’ve put together a list of useful tips and links for you – take a look.

 

Stay connected

Being physically separated from friends and family can be hard, especially at such a strange and stressful time. Try to stay in touch with others as much as you can. Pick up the phone or arrange a video call if possible, rather than just texting or using WhatsApp. A familiar voice or a friendly face can help you feel more connected and close.

Loneliness is a real problem for many people right now – not just for older people. This directory from the Jo Cox Foundation lists some places that could help.

Look after your physical health

Staying physically healthy is important right now, for obvious reasons. But what’s more, it can boost your mood! So do try to:

• Stick to your usual mealtimes and bedtime
• Keep the snacking and drinking alcohol to a minimum
• Remember to drink enough water
• Exercise regularly, while sticking to the government guidance.

Get outside for your daily walk or run if you can. The fresh air will do you good, especially if you can get out into a green space. But if you’re not able to leave the house, there are plenty of ways to work out at home. Check out our tips to see you through social isolation blog for ideas.

Plan out your time – but be kind to yourself

Studies have shown that sticking to a routine at times like this can help keep you from becoming overwhelmed. So do try to schedule your time.

Make time for some fun stuff, alongside all the necessary activities like work, schoolwork, cooking and cleaning. Why not find an online version of your usual favourite hobby, or try something new?

At the same time, don’t try to fit too much in. If you have extra time at home, it’s fine if you don’t fill up every minute. And it’s fine if you and your family don’t stick to your ideal schedule every day. This is a difficult time for us all.

Get help if money worries are affecting your mental health

Problems with money can have a negative effect on your mental health at any time – but especially right now.

It might be a good idea to make a budget for the next few weeks. Check out this useful budget planner tool on the Money Advice Service website.

And if you haven’t already seen it, check out our main coronavirus page. You’ll find links there to help if you’re worried about your pay, your bills or your debt solution.

Be aware of how the situation is affecting the way you and others feel

Are you…

• Feeling worried about the coronavirus pandemic?
• Trying to stay up to date with public health advice?
• Thinking about how all this will affect you and your family?

All of these are perfectly normal. But there’s a lot of coronavirus information out there. Worrying too much about things that may be outside your control can be bad for your mental wellbeing.

Acknowledge your own feelings, and those of other people: it’s OK to feel anxious, overwhelmed or upset. But try to find a healthy, balanced way to stay connected with the news and with others. It might help to limit the time you spend watching the news or checking social media. Also, check reliable sources like gov.uk or the NHS website, rather than relying on secondhand information.

Where to get help

For general advice about mental health and the coronavirus outbreak, visit:

• the Mental Health Foundation website
• the NHS’ mental health campaign, Every Mind Matters

If you need someone to talk to

• Call the Samaritans on 116 123
• Call CALM on 0800 585858

To help and support others

Sign up as an NHS Volunteer Responder

If you’re worried about the mental health of a child you care for

• Take a look at the Mental Health Foundation’s advice on talking to children about coronavirus
• Read the government guidance on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

If you have an existing mental health condition

The Mind website has advice on what to do if you’re living with an existing mental health problem. We really like their checklist for staying at home.

 

We’ll be posting regular updates for customers on our website so please keep checking for more information. We’ll also be updating our Facebook page regularly so please follow us there too. We are also on Twitter.