Looking after your mental health during COVID-19
Whether you’re a local resident, a business with struggling employees, or an organisation that needs support, there's help available for you.
Many more of us are finding it hard to stay positive, and are feeling more anxious, struggling to sleep, or facing other issues with our mental health due to the ever evolving challenges of coping with COVID-19 and the changes it has brought to our daily lives. Those of us with pre-existing mental health concerns may have noticed our condition has worsened, while others may be struggling with their mental health for the first time.
But it is not necessary to suffer in silence. Seeking help now is your best hope of finding relief from the stress you are experiencing.
The NHS’ ‘Every Mind Matters’ campaign is all about looking after your mental health. Just answer 5 quick questions to get a free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control. Follow this link.
You'll find specific advice and information on managing your well-being during COVID-19. This includes 10 top tips to help you cope:
Stay connected with people Talk about your worries Support and help others Feel prepared Look after your body Stick to the facts Say on top of difficult feelings Do things you enjoy Focus on the present Look after your sleep
Where can I get help?
Well-being and mental health during COVID-19: A guide to looking after yourself and others: http://www.stopsuicidenenc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID_19_booklet_network.pdf includes lots of useful advice.
If you need someone to talk or are concerned about a family member or friend, you can also find a list of available resources, including who to call, at: http://www.stopsuicidenenc.org/resource/
This includes but is not limited to:
Samaritans - 116 123 Whatever problems you are facing Samaritans are there to listen 24/7 SHOUT - Text Shout to 85258 Crisis text service for support with any mental health concern 24/7 CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably 0800 58 58 58 Helpline for men of all ages 5pm – midnight. Silverline - 0800 470 80 90 Information, friendship and advice for older people 24/7 Young Minds Parent Line - 0808 802 5544 Advice for parents and carers worried about a young person 9.30-4pm Mon-Fri. Young Minds Crisis Messenger - Text YM to 85258 Crisis text support for under 25s 24/7 Papyrus Hopeline - 0800 068 4141 Support and advice for Young People. 9am-10pm Mon-Fri. 2-10pm Weekends. The Mix - 0808 808 4994 www.themix.org.uk Advice and support for under 25s 4-11pm Childline - 0800 11 11 Support currently available 9am-Midnight and online 1-2-1 chat www.childline.org.uk MIND - Providing services in Washington, Sunderland and the Coalfields. [email protected], 0191 417 8043 Mon-Fri 10am -2pm/ or Live Chat Service is currently available Mon-Fri 2pm-3pm for young people and Mon-Fri 3pm for adults. Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust
If you need urgent help with your mental health right now you can get in touch with the Trust’s Initial Response services. 0303 123 1145 is open for anyone to call, 24 hours a day. Psychological Wellbeing Services are for adults who are finding it difficult to cope, feel low, anxious or stressed, worried, or are not sleeping properly. You can contact the Sunderland team on 0191 566 5454
Please remember to follow the most up to guidance on social distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings.