Looking after your mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic
There is a lot of uncertainty right now. The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and presents challenges to us all as NHS employees and as human beings. We are all likely to experience a wide range of emotions as a natural response to this event.
This will likely be an anxious time for many, and those working from home might feel socially isolated. We encourage colleagues to connect virtually to one another, so we can better understand and support each other through the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings.
Mind have developed the 5 ways to wellbeing
1. Connect – keep in touch with other people
2. Be active – take regular exercise
3. Take notice – look around, listen and enjoy the world about you
4. Learn – maintain interests and develop yourself
5. Give – help others
As well as these, here are some other tips for championing your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak:
1. Remember the basics: make you get enough sleep, food, hydration and exercise.
2. Pace yourself: this is a marathon, not a sprint
3. Maintain a balance:
– Keep some time for pleasant activities and contacting those you care about, even if you can only do so virtually
– Focus on the positives, such as the amazing work being done by the NHS and other organisations. Try to see this as a different period of time in your life, not a bad one.
– Develop a sense of purpose because, whatever role we play, we are all important to the public’s health
4. Try some breathing exercises if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious
5. Communicate with your team and manager. Speak up if you have concerns.
6. Try to avoid speculation. Look up reputable sources on the outbreak, but don’t overload yourself with information. For example, the government guidance.Need more support?
• Call our 24/7 independent and confidential staff helpline 0300 555 6006
• Use a self-help guide here
• Find out more about ways to get help here
• Apps to help improve mental health here
• Advice from the Mental Health Foundation on looking after your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak here
• Mental wellbeing audio guides here
• You can access support for managing your own mental health from the free, confidential NHS Practitioner Health Service
• The BMA has a wellbeing support service
• Access these wellbeing apps for free as NHS staff here
• Free and discounted therapy and support from Well-doing