Coronavirus and looking after your mental wellbeing

The easing of restrictions may bring mixed feelings. You may be happy about being able to resume the things you enjoy like playing sports, getting back to work, seeing friends and family (even at a social distance), but you may also be feeling worried about the lifting of restrictions or the possibility of another lockdown.

What you might be feeling about restrictions easing

You might feel relieved or excited now restrictions are eased, but you might also find yourself feeling less positive about some of the changes. When you go back to something you used to do it may feel unusual or strange you might feel fearful and anxious. Even everyday tasks like shopping may feel different as routines have changed like one way systems and face coverings.

It is important to note that if you are really struggling with your mental health and it is disrupting your everyday life seek professional help and talk to your GP. You can also contact the local services and support organisations listed in the useful contacts section:

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If you or someone you know need urgent mental health support, call 111 option 2

 

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How are charities and other organisations helping us during the Covid-19 Pandemic? 

  • Bipolar UK https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/key-links-to-help-you-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
  • ELFT is offering a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support through its Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service: www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk or 01234 880400 – telephone line open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm – online link available 24/7.
  • Mind BLMK has announced its plans to adapt their current range of support for people and organisations across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes during this current climate.
  • Rethink Mental Illness has some advice for people severely affected by mental illness & their carers during the Covid-19 Pandemic: https://www.rethink.org/news-and-stories/blogs/2020/03/covid-19-advice-for-people-severely-affected-by-mental-illness-carers/
  • Food can affect your mood! There is a link between what we eat and how we feel so it’s important to have a healthy, balanced diet for both your body and mind. Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these sites for brain food on a budget:
  • Coping as a keyworker – when you’re busy doing important work, it might not feel possible to take care of yourself. But even doing small things for yourself can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing, and there are lots of ideas you can try. National Mind now have a page dedicated to coping as a keyworker
  • Samaritans volunteers can continue going into branches. We know that social isolation will impact many people and our volunteers will now be able to continue to respond to the anticipated extra demand. Our free call number is 116 123.  We are open 24 hrs.  Email service also available (although response times maybe longer, but we do our best to reply within 24 hours) jo@samaritans.org 
  • Carers in Bedfordshire are still here for carers. They are still also accepting new referrals. Please call their telephone support service on 0300 111 1919 between 9.30am and 4.30pm, or visit their website.