Mental Health and Managing Anxiety
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that normal life is changing for all of us. These uncertain times may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, frustrated or lonely.
It’s important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. This situation is only temporary and these difficult feelings will pass.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK:
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and break down the stigma attached to mental health problems with the aim of inspiring action to promote the message of good mental health for all.
Mental health – often referred to as “emotional health” or “wellbeing” – is everyone’s business and should be given as much importance as looking after our physical health, as research shows the two are strongly connected.
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is KINDNESS and is defined by doing something towards yourself or others, motivated by genuine desire to make a positive difference. There has never been a more important time to be kind to people around us and support our local communities.
Why Kindness?
The Mental Health Organisation have chosen Kindness as this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme because of the impact a simple act of kindness can have on boosting people’s mental health, community solidarity and developing relationships.
Whether you are donating to your local charities or simply having a chat with a neighbour in need of some support; kindness has been shown to increase optimism, help us feel more connected and reduce stress.
Managing Anxiety
It is important to keep an eye on your physical and mental wellbeing during difficult times like this. There is plenty of help online to help you manage.
Mark Peters brings you weekly instalments of how to Understand and Manage Anxiety:
Clinical Psychologist and Anxiety Specialist Dr Annemarie O’Conner answers questions on maintaining mental health during the Coronavirus period.
Useful Mental Health Articles
NHS:
Hello Self:
Mental Health Organisation:
