Covid-19 (Coronavirus)

Counselling through Coronavirus

In a world that has been thrown into an uncertain future because of the Coronavirus pandemic, mental health issues are likely to affect many.
You are likely to experience anxiety and worry around the uncertainty of your future. It is very easy to become swallowed up with the fear when all you see hear and feel is the negative energy that this virus has created in the population.

Here are some stay at home strategies for you to build on as you adapt to this ever changing situation.

Coping Strategies for Staying at Home

Limit what you watch –
It is important to limit what you watch that might raise your anxiety and lower your mood. For example, when searching for films to watch as a family, look for light and uplifting rather than serious and distressing.

Constant seeking of news about the outbreak will also raise levels of anxiety. Therefore, Checking once a day to be informed via reputable websites to minimise misinformation. The NHS website below also sets out the symptoms and what to do.

Home routine –
Having a structure to your day and making sure you eat healthily, drink plenty of water and exercise. If your working from home, try not to work in the room where you sleep if possible. Getting dressed for work also helps you separate work from leisure.

Home activities –
Create your own unique survival list. Start a new hobby, start an online course, ring friends and family, catch up on those jobs you were never able to do, read, play board games, listen to music… the list is endless. Remember what you have done in the past that has raised your mood and build on that.

Manage social media triggers –
Become aware of what might trigger anxiety. Social Media can be a link to the outside world and be a comfort in keeping relationships going, but there may be times when certain sites might trigger negative feelings that become overwhelming. Monitor this and consider deleting the ones that do this or limiting the time you look on them.

Connect –
Stay connected with loved ones, family and friends as much as you can through mobile, e-mail, face time.

Reach out for help –
If you are unable to refocus and are really struggling, remember that organisations are out there and still running to support people with mental health issues. Organisations such as Mind, Young Minds, Samaritans are amongst those that have brilliant websites with strategies to cope as well as brilliant staff still manning vital helplines.

Boris Johnson in his statement on the 23rd March at 8.30 p.m. announced a lock down situation that will have had an impact on how your life was and how it has to be now. For those of you visiting my page, it may have prompted you to reach out for help.

It is important to remember that this virus will bring an opportunity for Society to get out of the fast lane of life and come together as a driving force.

Stay at Home

Protect the NHS

Save Lives