The coronavirus outbreak has made life more challenging for everyone, and it’s not usual for people to feel worried about their wellbeing, and that of others. There are lots of things people can do to look after their mental health and help prevent feelings such as stress, anxiety, loneliness or boredom from becoming more serious.
Every Mind Matters has been developed by Public Health England in partnership with clinicians, academics and leading mental health charities and offers practical support for everyone to stay well.
The new range of resources, specifically designed to help people manage their mental health during the pandemic, includes a tailored COVID-19 Mind Plan - a quick and free interactive tool offering tailored mental wellbeing advice - along with COVID-19 specific content for individuals and their loved ones, and support for specific mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping. Visit Every Mind Matters for more information.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Because of the coronavirus pandemic, all over the country we’re staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
"We’ll all be experiencing highs and lows and it’s perfectly normal to miss loved ones, get frustrated, feel anxious or stressed.
"Fortunately, there are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing at this time, and the Every Mind Matters campaign highlights simple steps to help deal with stress, boost your mood and keep on top of things."
Tips include:
- staying in touch with friends and family via telephone, video calls or social media
- keeping a regular routine and sleeping pattern
- looking after your body with indoor exercise - check out the range of free online exercise classes through the council's WV Active leisure centres
- talking about your worries with friends or via a helpline, such as Samaritans Wolverhampton – call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- staying on top of difficult feelings and trying and manage unhelpful thoughts
- finding time to relax and trying out relaxation techniques
- focusing on a hobby or learning something new
Councillor Jaspal added: "Now more than ever, Every Mind Matters. It's important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it."
To support the new campaign, Their Royal Highnesses’ The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have narrated a powerful new short film which is set to be broadcast across national TV channels from today (Monday 20 April). It features a range of people whose lives have been affected by coronavirus and aims to spread the vital message that everyone can take care of their mental wellbeing at this difficult time and that support is there for those who need it.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Advice for everyone - Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
