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Where to start with writing this? As you will know, there is already plenty of information on the web about how COVID-19 is affecting our children’s mental health. Last week I received a tweet from a concerned mum; her 12-year-old son was showing signs of anxiety, and in turn, this was making her very anxious. How to reply in limited word count: “Help young one 2 realise reactions are normal for what's happening. This isn't trivialising it, but acknowledging feeling scared and anxious is real and can be helped” This is a good starting point when supporting anyone who is distressed. Then go on to signpost to some apps and organisations she could use. To read on, click on the attachment. Please contact me if you have any other areas you’d like me to look into. The blog I write will be focusing on the mental health of front line workers. Antony
supporting_young_people_s_mental_health_during_covid-19__06_april_2020.pdf
Read our blog which contains some great home-working tips to help look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.
If you are currently home working or supervise home workers these tips should help to protect mental wellbeing. Having a strategy to support our wellbeing can help increase resilience to every-day stress.
Five Ways to Wellbeing was researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation and has been used by organisations such as the NHS for some time now. I’ve updated the Five Ways to Wellbeing from Mind’s website for anyone home-working. The Five Ways to Wellbeing lend themselves perfectly to home-working as well as every other part of our life: lockdown or normal life, crisis or staying well.
Imagine Independence use the Five Ways to build person-centred support plans, and I use it regularly as part of ALGEE support plan when running #MHFAEngland training – the last “E” stands for Encourage Additional Supports. Exactly what we need in these challenging times.
There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. Many of us are feeling extremely connected at the moment but we need to keep this going, potentially over months. Be aware of those who might be home-working alone; for so many, the act of “going to work” is a life saver.
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.
Our daily 30 minutes of exercise out-doors could be a catalyst for change in your life. But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well providing some level of exercise.
Today, why not get physical? Here are a few ideas:
Do you find it hard to notice the good things around you? Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities. We may feel guilty at doing this during a time of crisis, but make an attempt. Here are a few ideas:
Learning encourages social interaction and can help people out of depression. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.
Home working presents many challenges, and we have to learn new ways to work. We can use time not used for travel to learn something new.
Participation in social and community life by individuals and have a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
Zero Suicide Alliance 30 Minute Training. https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training/
Antony Dowell - Campaigns and Partnerships Officer
adowell@imagineindepenence.org.uk Tel: 07816 131 027
For details of our MHFA England accredited Mental Health First Aid training please visit https://www.imagineindependence.org.uk/services/mental-health-first-aid-training/
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