Mental or emotional health issues can affect anyone; 1 in 4 of us will experience problems with mental health at some time in our lives.
Your mental health during Covid 19
Public Health England (PHE) has published guidance on:
- practical steps you can take to look after your mental wellbeing
- supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
The PHE Every Mind Matters platform also has specific advice on maintaining good mental wellbeing during the coronavirus situation.
You can also refer to:
Keeping well and resilient
It is important to recognise that your mental health is as important as your physical health. During our everyday lives, and especially at difficult times, we need to build and strengthen our mental health reserves and cultivate a positive outlook.
One way of looking after yourself is to improve your self-esteem, improve your mental wellbeing, and build confidence. This will help enable you to cope with life's day to day challenges. It is also important to improve your physical health.
Taking part in physical activity is another way in which we can raise mood, improve depression, aid relaxation and is an interest that can be enjoyed by individuals but also by families. For example a family bike ride or family swims.
Stress - when and why is stress harmful?
Stress is something we all encounter. Life changes such as moving house, getting married or coping with bereavement can all cause it. However, stress also has a positive side. A certain level of stress may be necessary and enjoyable in order to spark us into action (Modified from Mind Information 2008.)
Early recognition of the signs of stress, anxiety and depression is the crucial first step in dealing with problems and preventing them becoming more serious. One of the key things to do is to seek help as soon as possible, either via your GP or if in the workplace, staff support services where available or self care through for example: NHS choices - mental health, Mind or Patient UK.
Mind offer top tips for tackling stress which are available on their website and include:
Find out what triggers your stress
- Get organised
- Get active
- Take control