Mental Health & Wellbeing Guide

General Advice

Staying at home may be difficult and frustrating, but there are things that you can do to help make it easier. These include:

• plan ahead and think about what you will need in order to be able to stay at home for the full 7 or 14 days
• talk to your employer, friends and family to ask for their help to access the things you will need to make your stay at home a success
• think about and plan how you can get access to food and other supplies such as medications that you will need during this period
• ask friends or family to drop off anything you need or order supplies online, but make sure these are left outside your home for you to collect
• make sure that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media
• think about things you can do during your time at home. People who have successfully completed a period of staying at home have kept themselves busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films
• many people find it helpful to plan out the full 14 days, such as on a make-shift calendar. You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do if, for example, someone in the household were to feel much worse, such as have difficulties breathing
• when you are feeling better, remember that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home

What steps can you take to stay connected with family and friends during this time?

Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.

Apps you can use to keep in touch:

• Whatsapp – messaging and calling
• Facebook – messaging and calling
• Skype – video calling
• Zoom – video calling (suitable for large group calls)

Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too! The NHS have compiled a list of helplines which you may find helpful at this time.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing?

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

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 – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes
• try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, 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 2 metres from others

Further Resources

Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
Mind Organisation: Coronavirus and your wellbeing
WHO Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak
Coronavirus advice and mental health support for young people
Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health
Reconnecting with Nature during COVID-19