Naturally, you may be feeling worried or anxious due to the unprecedented challenges we are facing.
You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping. You might miss being outside with other people if you are social distancing or self-isolating.
At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which, in turn, can make you feel worse.
There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:
- Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website.
- Spend time doing things you enjoy when you have time – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to or watching favourite radio or TV programmes.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, regularly exercise and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs.
- Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can or get outside into the garden. You can also go for a walk outdoors if you stay more than two metres away from others.
Further information on looking after your mental health during this time is available below:
- Click here to read the advice from Every Mind Matters.
- Advice from Action For Happiness. You can download the “Coping Calendar” from Action for Happiness for more tips and advice.
- Read the advice from Mind Charity.
- Advice from Every Mind Matters – top 10 tips if you have anxiety.
- Calm is offering free online tools and resources for if you are feeling anxious.
- If you need someone to talk to because you are struggling with your mental health, Aspirations are providing a telephone service. You can find out more information and how to contact them by clicking here.
- Elefriends is a supportive, online community where you can be yourself. You can access this by clicking here.
- Keep in contact with your neighbours and your community online via social media channels and joining community forums online. You can also do this through the huge variety of Facebook groups available or Nextdoor, which is an online community. You can access Nextdoor by clicking here.
If you are feeling worried about what impact self-isolation and social distancing may have on your life, there is a Coronavirus financial help and rights guide available by Martin Lewis. This includes advice about sick pay, mortgages, rental help, energy top-ups, cancelled events and more from Martin Lewis at moneysavingexpert.com.
Live Well Kent is a local online and telephone support service offering guidance and advice about mental and physical health.
Mental health advice for young people
- Moodspark offers advice for ten to 16 year olds. You can access this by clicking here.
- Chathealth confidential texting service for your people aged 11 to 19 will be running as normal. Young people are able to text the School Health Team with any concerns or health issues on 07520 618850. This number is monitored Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/2020/03/25/looking-after-your-mental-health-and-wellbeing/