Coronavirus and mental health

If you’re worried about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on your mental health, you are not alone.

The Covid-19 pandemic is an uncertain time for all of us, so it is only natural that it will affect our mental health in different ways. The important thing to remember is that however you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, you can get through this.

Whatever you are going through right now, we have information and advice that can really help.

• After being in lockdown for so long, it’s natural to have mixed feelings about the easing of restrictions. There’s no need to feel guilty if you’re not as excited as some other people are. Remember that it's okay to take things at your own pace.
• It's totally normal to feel worried about the rules and regulations changing. But if you find you're worrying so much that it’s becoming hard to do other things, speak to a friend or trusted adult about how you're feeling.
• If you’re unsure how to start a conversation about mental health, check out our reaching out for help page, or this blog from Rachel, 18, on her tips for starting a conversation around mental health in lockdown.
• Louisa, 17, shares her tips for coping with anxiety about change.
• If you have been shielding during the pandemic, the easing of restrictions may feel especially scary. This is completely understandable, but remember that restrictions are only easing because lots of experts have said it’s safe. If you are feeling really nervous, try taking small steps – for example, you could start by going on a small walk each day and slowly increase the time you are out for. There’s no rush, so take things at your own pace.
• If you're feeling anxious about seeing people and socialising again, read our blogger Molly's tips for coping with social anxiety.
• Gigi, 25, has also shared how she's coping with social anxiety as lockdown eases.

• After so long studying from home, it's natural to feel anxious about going to school. However you're feeling is valid and you are not alone. Two of our bloggers share how they're feeling and what's helping in our blog on coping with anxiety about going back to school.
• If you're worried about catching Covid-19, remember that everyone is doing their best to prevent that from happening, and your school wouldn't have been able to reopen if it wasn't safe.
• If you are experiencing bullying, have a look at our bullying page for more information, tips and advice.
• If you are struggling with an eating problem and are finding it hard to adjust to being at school again, have a look at our eating problems page.

• 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.
• Read how seven of our Activists are managing in the third national lockdown.
• Eve, 20, explains why you're not "wasting time" in this pandemic, and why it's okay to take time out.
• Some of our bloggers share their worries about how Covid-19 may affect their future, as well as their tips for coping.

• 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 

• Here are our tips on dealing with life under quarantine.
• 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.
• Our Activist Wes shares how gaming has helped his mental health.
• Georgie, 17, shares how social media has helped her feel less lonely in lockdown.
• Will, 25, shares three tips for coping with loneliness during the pandemic.

• 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.

• Dealing with loss is difficult and there is no right way to react when someone dies. We all experience loss differently.
• Please read our advice from other young people who understand what it is like to deal with grief and loss.

• 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
• Grace, 14, shares some activities you can do that don't involve screens.

Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund: