How are you looking after your mental health amid the massive stress of the coronavirus pandemic?
If you’re feeling the strain of life in lockdown, then out of lockdown, then with all sorts of restrictions, job loss, and general anxiety, you’re not alone.
82% of Brits have experienced stress as a result of Covid-19, a survey of 4,251 people by the Mental Health Foundation found.
So how are we coping?
That same survey found that time in nature, social connection, and partaking in hobbies, have been key to our emotional wellbeing in these troubling times.
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59% of those surveyed said going for walks helped them cope, while half said visiting green spaces had brought benefits.
For 47%, chatting with friends and family – either online or on the phone – was a massive help in dealing with stress.
39% listed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle; sleeping well and eating healthily, while 38% said that doing their hobbies had been helpful for keeping their stress levels under control.
The Mental Health Foundation is working with Cambridge, Swansea, Strathclyde, Queen’s Belfast and De Montfort universities to examine mental health during the pandemic and advise the nation on what needs to be done to protect our mental wellbeing.
Professor Tine Van Bortel, from the University of Cambridge and De Montfort University Leicester, said: ‘There’s a growing body of strong research evidence about the determinants of our health and wellbeing that is replicated by our findings.
‘Access to nature and safe green spaces, positive social contacts, healthy lifestyles and meaningful activities are all crucial for us to function well.
‘There is also strong international evidence that there is no trade-off between public health and the economy – quite the opposite: healthy, happy people make for stronger communities and thriving economies.
‘This has important policy implications.
‘The Government should create a sustainable wellbeing economy developed with the active involvement of our communities – and a pandemic recovery plan that reaches right across government departments and society itself.
‘This would also help to tackle the deep inequalities exposed by the pandemic.’
Antonis Kousoulis, the foundation’s director for England and Wales, said: ‘The good news here is that, at a very difficult time for many of us, millions of people across the UK are using effective ways to improve their wellbeing.
‘Going out for a walk, visiting a park and being in contact with family and friends are great ways for us all to protect our mental health and prevent problems.
‘At a time of local restrictions, it’s more important than ever that local authorities invest in improving our neighbourhoods and leisure areas, to create safe, green spaces for outdoor activities.
‘That is why we are asking the UK Government to take the lead by publishing a cross-government plan to promote people’s mental health and wellbeing.
‘We also want the Government to ensure there continues to be a distinct national body responsible for public mental health in England.’
If you are struggling with stress and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, time in nature, exercise, hobbies, and maintaining good sleep and diet are a good place to start the journey to feeling better.
But if these emotions are becoming overwhelming, don’t delay getting help. Talk to your GP, find a therapist online, or ring the Samaritans for support.
Need support? Contact the Samaritans
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/08/heres-how-brits-are-dealing-with-coronavirus-stress-13388930/
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