Page 3 - MENTAL HEALTH: The Yorkshire Post Covid-19 2020 Help E-Mag

MAINTAINING MENTAL
HTEALTH IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
hese are strange and to you.Resolve to use the time to do sources. Online ‘experts’ do not and, younger generation, of course, has this unprecedented times we something enjoyable: watch a consequently, can write anything social media contact thing off to a fine are living through. The film or classic sports they wish in search of clicks art!). Involve them in discussions and
government’s announcement on March 23 that, for all but essential purposes, we must stay at home until the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak has passed presents everyone with a challenge few of us have ever faced before.
Inevitably, both the virus itself and its associated consequences are causing
a great deal of worry. Will I become infected? Am I already carrying it without knowing? How will it affect my family and friend? How long will the state of lockdown last? These and many more questions cannot help
but occupy the minds of even people with the most robust mental health or optimistic outlook.
The Mental Health Foundation – www. mentalhealth.org.uk – suggests the following strategy for maintaining good metal health at a time when physical health is of massive concern and we are also having to adapt to big lifestyle changes.
In general
Accept the new rhythm of life and seek to establish a new daily routine to fit it: one which allows you to look after yourself without, of course, forgetting the needs of those closest
event on the TV
each day; go
online and learn more about something
which interests
you; get more practice at any hobbies you may have; start an exercise routine, either in the home or in the time you are allowed outside each day.
The possibilities are limitless,
so seize the opportunity.
Ignore the rumours
Sadly but predictably, the internet
is currently awash with rumours, speculation, fake news and conspiracy theories about the virus. Avoid them. Stick to reputable sources: Public Health England (or its Scottish and Welsh counterparts), TV and radio news bulletins, local newspapers and their websites. All these have a duty and or commitment to provide factual information based upon reputable
and ‘likes’.
Keep in touch
Being unable physically to visit
and interact with family and friends is not the imposition it might have
been little more than a decade ago.
Stay in touch by telephone, social media or email.
A network of people checking up regularly on one another
generates a feeling of inclusion and security, of being part
of a wider community at a time of physical restrictions.
Don’t, however, sensationalise or
give rumours. You might be ignoring them but others may not be. Try, without being too harsh, to correct any misinformation your contacts might be harbouring.
Talk to your children
Keep an ear on what your children might be hearing from their friends (the
attempt to explain things as clearly but gently as possible. However, try not to over-expose them to coverage of the virus – and always tell them the truth.
Anticipate distress
It is inevitable with so many serious consequences of the virus that we will have negative reactions to the news about it. Be prepared for that to be the case: there is nothing wrong with feeling worried or vulnerable.
Should you experience such feelings
– particularly if you have had anxiety issues previously – make sure you talk about them with the people around you. And if you sense others are experiencing such feelings, speak to them and attempt to offer reassurance.
Control what you know
Without necessarily turning away from all media coverage, keep control of how much you watch, listen and read about the outbreak. Take in enough
to know the facts and keep tabs on developments, but not so much that you become overwhelmed. Watch the evening news, perhaps, but avoid the wall-to-wall coverage of the 24- hour news channels.