Coronavirus and mental health
Tips, advice and guidance on where you can get support for your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
- I’m feeling anxious all the time
- My mood is low because of all the bad news
- I am anxious about all the changes
- I am struggling with self-isolation and social distancing
- I am struggling to manage my eating disorder
- I have lost a loved one due to coronavirus
- What else can I do to look after my mental health?
If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us, so it is only natural that it will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, we can get through this.
Here is our advice on things you can do to keep mentally healthy during this time.
If you find yourself feeling down during self-isolation, it can be very easy to slip into the mindset that you are alone, but this isn’t the case.
I’m feeling anxious all the time
- Anxiety is really high for lots of people right now, even people who don’t usually struggle with anxiety. Read our blog: What to do if you're anxious about coronavirus.
- Check out our general advice on dealing with anxiety.
- If you’re struggling with thoughts and actions that you cannot control (obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviours) take a look at our OCD advice.
- We also have a blog on coping with OCD during the coronavirus pandemic.
- You may find it helpful to practise some grounding techniques when you're feeling anxious or stressed.
- Our blogger Victoria, 21, has also shared some practical positive psychology techniques you can use.
A lot of people are finding things tricky at the moment, and allowing myself to recognise that these are difficult times for everyone and that it’s okay to struggle has really helped my anxiety surrounding this situation.
My mood is low because of all the bad news
- Limit the time you spend checking the news and try to follow social media accounts that keep you positive and make you smile. Accounts like @the_happy_broadcast on Instagram only post good news stories.
- We have loads of tips on cleaning up your social media feed for a more positive time online - take a look at #OwnYourFeed.
- Follow the YoungMinds Instagram account! @youngmindsuk
I am anxious about all the changes
- It's totally normal to feel worried about the rules and regulations changing. But if you find you're worrying so much it's hard to do other things, speak to a friend or trusted adult about how you're feeling.
- Remember that it's OK to take things at your own pace.
- If you're worried about seeing people or being around people again, have a look at our blogger Molly's tips for coping with social anxiety.
- Our blogger Gigi also shares how she's coping with social anxiety when seeing people again.
- Two of our bloggers share how they're coping with anxiety about going back to school.
- Our blogger Rachael shares how she's coping with anxiety about going back to work.
Which quarantine character are you? Take our quiz!
Have you got a hundred projects on the go, or are you just chilling and waiting for this all to be over? Take our quiz to find out what your quarantine character is and get tips and advice for looking after your mental health during this time.
I am struggling with self-isolation and social distancing
- Here are our tips on dealing with life under quarantine.
- Our Activist Wes shares how gaming has helped his mental health.
- Our bloggers and Activists share their self-care tips for self-isolation.
- Our blogger Lily shares her tips for how to look after your mental health in a difficult living environment during isolation.
- Our blogger Laura shares how she's coping on down days in self-isolation.
- Our blogger Alfie shares his tips for looking after your mental health while studying from home.
- Our blogger Laura shares her tips for creating a routine during self-isolation.
- Our Activist Maddie shares her experience during quarantine as she writes about coronavirus, autism and her mental health.
- Our bloggers share their tips on how to stay connected during lockdown.
- Our blogger Emma shares why self-forgiveness is so important during lockdown.
- Four of our bloggers share how they're coping with feelings of hopelessness during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Some of our bloggers share their worries about how COVID-19 may affect their future, as well as their tips for coping.
Things you can do during quarantine or self-isolation
If you are having to self-isolate, here are some links to things that can keep you connected, busy or entertaine.
Learn a language
If you want to use this time to learn a language or brush up on your language skills, there are lots of resources available online. We like Duolingo and Drops, which both help you get to grips with the basics of a number of languages with fun games, and can both be downloaded as smartphone apps.
Play games over video call
Houseparty is a great app you can use to video call friends, either individually or in groups. You can also play fun games together through the app!
Learn something new
If you fancy learning something new, The Open University has made a number of courses available - you can learn about anything from history, to psychology to science...all for free!
Try some indoor exercise
If you want to get a bit of exercise from the comfort of your home, Joe Wicks, a fitness trainer, is uploading home workouts every day, which are all available on YouTube.
Practise mindfulness and meditation
You could also use the time to practise mindfulness. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer loads of guided meditations. We also have a blog from Rachel, 17, on how she practises mindfulness for her mental health.
Your wellbeing is always the most important thing to take care of, particularly at times like this. It is okay to be upset now but remember that we’re all in this together, and there are always going to be people who will listen and who you can talk to.
I am struggling to manage my eating disorder
- Hope Virgo shares her tips on coping with an eating disorder during self-isolation.
- Our blogger Eve writes about her experience of recovering from an eating disorder in lockdown.
- Beat have lots of useful and up to date information that can help you, visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus.
Eating disorders thrive on isolation so turn your meal times into social activities over the phone or on Skype!
What else can I do to look after my mental health?
- Visit our blog for real stories from young people getting through the coronavirus pandemic, self-care tips and finding help.
- Visit our find help section for more advice and information on looking after your mental health
As hard as it can be when you have no deadlines, it is important to try and keep a regular routine.
Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund:
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.
All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.
Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
Text: YM to 85258
Opening times: 24/7
The Mix
Offers support to anyone under 25 about anything that’s troubling them.
Email support available via their online contact form.
Free 1-2-1 webchat service available.
Free short-term counselling service available.
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Opening times: 4pm - 11pm, seven days a week
Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.
Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.
Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.
Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.
Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: 9am - midnight, 365 days a year
NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only)
Offers mental health support and advice, help to speak to a mental health professional, and can arrange an assessment to help decide on the best course of care.
Opening times: 24/7
Real stories and blogs on coronavirus and mental health
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Tips for coping during ‘Covid Christmas’
However you're feeling about the holiday period this year is valid. Two of our bloggers share their tips for coping with Christmas during the pandemic.
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A parent's tips for home-schooling
Parent-of-two Rox explains how she has found juggling home-schooling and work so far, and shares her tips for what has helped.
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Coping with anxiety about the future due to COVID-19
COVID-19 has affected our lives in many ways. Our bloggers share their worries about how it may affect their future, as well as their tips for coping.
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Coping with social anxiety as lockdown eases
It is completely normal to feel anxious about seeing friends again after so long in lockdown. Gigi, 25, shares her experience of this and how she is coping.