The Mental Health Foundation has noticed increased concern about how to manage mental wellbeing since the pandemic.
More people seeking advice on how to cope with stress and anxiety.
The Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said there had been a rise in panic and worry.
“Concern and anxiety are mounting for a number of people.
The impression is that it is kind of across the board.
It is not a particular age group,” he said.
Robinson said, although this pandemic was a major disruption to most areas of life, staying positive and focusing on mental wellbeing was key.
He reminded people to be kind to one another.
It was very easy when people were stressed, worried and a bit frightened to “lash out” and an antidote to that was to look for opportunities to take the focus off ourselves and put us in a positive mind frame he said.
Robinson said we could not forget those living with clinical anxiety and OCD as many would need support, connection and help to top up their medication supplies.
Canterbury DHB public health specialist Lucy D’Aeth wanted to thank people for honouring the 14-day self-isolation public strategy.
“It is going to take an entire community response and you are the ones who are helping to protect us all.”
She suggested the following to care four our mental well being
- Maintain a routine
- Keep exercise up (perhaps have a boogie around the kitchen – music will be important)
- Try reading
- Do something that brings you joy
- Go for a walk, run or bike ride (just keep a 2-metre distance from people)
- Journal and process your feelings
- Stay connected (make a phone call, write a letter, video chat)
- Once you are out of self-isolation, she recommended that people get a flu jab and pass on wisdom their to their community.
Click here to get further help
HELPLINES
- 1737 – Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
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