The NHS in Gloucestershire is encouraging people to look after their mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 ‘lockdown’ as anxieties about health, job security, finances, social isolation and changes in routines and family relationships can be affected.
People are being encouraged to speak about their feelings, not suffer in silence, and follow ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ to maintain health and wellbeing during the pandemic:
- Connect with friends and family over the phone.
- Be active and get outside once a day to exercise or if isolating, try yoga or gardening.
- Take notice of what’s around and happening in the moment.
- Keep learning and keep an active mind.
- Give a small act of kindness to a friend or volunteer for the Community Help Hub.
Local sources of support include:
- Let’s Talk: 08000 732200 or www.letstalkglos.nhs.uk
- Every Mind Matters: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
- Five Ways to Wellbeing and further support: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/look-after-your-wellbeing
- Mind: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus
- The Samaritans: 116 123 or www.samaritans.org
- Teens in Crisis: www.ticplus.org.uk
- Gloucestershire’s Rethink Self Harm Helpline: 08088 010606 or glosselfharm@rethink.org
- Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind: www.sgmind.org.uk
- This YouTube video https://youtu.be/scenBq6PVSM