Mental Health Matters

In these troubling and difficult times, it’s crucial to remember your mental health still matters. Hull City Ladies wants everyone to keep safe, for everyone to look after each other and if you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, it’s okay to ask for help.

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.

This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your well-being. Below are resources/tips which are being offered for free to help people look after their mental health through these troubling times.

  • Avoid watching, reading or listening to news that could cause you to feel anxious or distressed.
  • Seek information mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • Seek information updates at a specific time during the day once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried.
  • Stay connected with people, ring people/ video call people to check-in, to talk about anything.
  • Distract yourself with the things you enjoy.
  • Avoid burnout, it’s important to have time to yourself and give yourself regular breaks.
  • Plan events and stuff to do for when this is all over, something to look forward to, enjoying friends/family company, doing stuff that you may have took for granted.
  • Continuing to access nature, sunlight wherever possible, exercise, eat well, stay hydrated and sleep well.
  • Know it’s okay not to feel okay, speak to people if you are feeling worried, sad or distressed.
  • Talk to your GP or mental health team if you need the extra support, it is okay to talk, and even in this pandemic, they are there to help.

NHS

The NHS list contains helplines and support groups that can offer expert advice.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

Mind

Mind has advice on how you can support your mental health during this period. For more information click https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem, but hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. To find your nearest Mind charity, please visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds/local-minds/

NHS – Every Mind Matters

The tips and advice NHS offers are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while staying at home. Make sure you get further support if you feel you need it. https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Samaritans

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives, and it’s normal that this will affect people’s mental health. Samaritans have gathered some resources that might be helpful

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/if-youre-having-difficult-time/if-youre-worried-about-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Isha Kriya – Meditation

Isha Kriya is providing free guided meditation to help you keep calm and find some internal peace in the comfort of your own home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQkfoKxRvo

The Body Coach – Fitness

It’s important to know you can keep fit without even leaving the house! @thebodycoach on Twitter is offering free online workout sessions for adults, but also a daily #PEwithJoe to keep young kids keep moving. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ

Mind Map

The Mind Map TV, launched by @themindmapco on Twitter, is an isolation station for the nation that will broadcast daily live videos covering cooking, comedy, mindfulness, and much more to help reduce the negative effects social isolation can have on mental health. https://www.instagram.com/p/B97KtoVHPUG/

Mentally Healthy Schools

If you’re a parent, teacher, or carer, check out the Mentally Healthy Schools toolkit to help you respond to any anxiety or concerns that may arise from the Coronavirus.

https://www.mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/media/1960/coronavirus-mental-health-and-wellbeing-resources.pdf

Mental Health at Work

it’s important to support your #MentalHealthAtWork during this uncertain period. Their toolkit contains some fantastic resources to help support yourself and your colleagues

https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/coronavirus-and-isolation-supporting-yourself-and-your-colleagues/

We advise people to #StayHomeSaveLives

  • Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
  • Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home

For the latest information on COVID-19 from Public Health England and the NHS https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Sources: BBC News, Mind, Samaritans, Gov.uk, Heads Together, WHO, Rethink Mental Illness