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 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?
- Helplines and services available
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 and 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 feel 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.
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 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.
Things you can do during self-isolation
Here are some links to things that can keep you connected, busy or entertained during self-isolation.
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.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
You could also use the time to practise mindfulness. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer loads of guided meditations.
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.
Helplines and services available
- You can find information for young people about coronavirus and ideas for things to do while staying home on their website.
- The Mix’s emotional support services are open as normal – and if you’re under 25 you can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you over the phone, email or webchat. You can also use their phone or online counselling service.
- Helpline open daily 4-11pm: 0808 808 4994
- Email service
- Webchat open daily 4-11pm
- Counselling service
- If you're under 19 you can confidentially call, email or chat online about any problem big or small
- Freephone 24h helpline: 0800 1111
- Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis
- If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
- 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.
- Find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline number here
- England only
- 24-hour advice and support
Real stories and blogs on coronavirus and mental health
-
Parents' tips for looking after yourself in lockdown
Three parents share their experiences of isolation so far – and their tips for making sure there’s still time every day for looking after yourself.
-
A parent's tips for managing family life in isolation
A mother-of-two shares her tips for managing family life in lockdown.
-
Supporting your family’s wellbeing during isolation
It can be hard to know how to support your family's wellbeing during these unusual times. Our Parents Helpline experts share their advice.
-
Why self-forgiveness is so important during lockdown
During lockdown, we may feel pressure to do certain things or be a certain way, but it's important to be patient with ourselves. That's why self-forgiveness is so important, says Emma, 18.