Public Health England has launched new advice on its Every Mind Matters platform, focusing on the mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The update is prompted by a recent study that showed over four in five (85.2%) persons are worried about the effect that coronavirus is having on their life. More than half (53.1%) said the pandemic was affecting their well-being and nearly half (46.9%) reported high levels of anxiety.
“Staying at home and not seeing friends and loved ones can take its toll and it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or anxious,” commented Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock.
“It’s vital that we all look after our mental health in these challenging times, so today we are launching new guidance on the NHS Every Mind Matters website which is tailored to help people deal with this outbreak through practical tips and advice.|
The website includes new NHS expert tips and advice designed specifically to help manage an individual’s mental wellbeing during the virus outbreak. It offers a tailored COVID-19 Mind Plan and support for specific mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping.
“Anxiety can be completely deafening, and right now those suffering with anxiety might be feeling it worse than ever,” commented Nadiya Hussain, Great British Bake off star and chef.
“For me, reaching out to people, talking to my loved ones, helps manage it. You are not alone, a lot of people will also be feeling anxious and scared, and speaking about it with someone you trust will help challenge that anxiety and calm your fears. It’s so important to recognise if you’re struggling with your mental health, and seek out the support you need – and know that it’s OK.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are supporting the website with a new short film which is being broadcast across national TV channels.
Top 5 Tips from the NHS for maintaining mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus outbreak:
- Talk about your worries: It is normal to feel worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. Maintain contact with friends and family via phone and video calls to share how you are feeling.
- Keep a regular routine and set goals: You may need to set a new routine for now. Try writing a plan for your day with the things you can still do at home, like watching a film, reading a book or completing a puzzle. Setting goals and achieving them gives a sense of control and purpose. Maintaining good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you feel mentally and physically too, so it’s important to get enough (the Every Mind Matters sleep page provides practical advice on how to improve your sleep).
- Manage your media and information intake: If 24-hour news and constant social media updates are making you worried, try to limit the time you spend watching, reading, or listening to coverage of the outbreak to once or twice a day.
- Do things you enjoy and try something new: Focussing on your favourite hobby, learning something new, or simply taking time to relax indoors should give you some relief from anxious thoughts and feelings and can help boost your mood. Look online for lots of free tutorials and courses.
- Look after your body: Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. At times like these it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. You can leave your house, alone or with members of your household, for one form of exercise a day – like a walk, run or bike ride. But make you keep a safe 2-metre distance from others.
To use this website you must be aged 18 years or over. Please verify your age before entering the site.
