Self help during the pandemic
get self help are a cognitive behaviour therapy self help support website.
The site offer CBT techniques for many common mental health issues and have now released helpful information on how to take care of yourself during the pandemic, their advice:
Look after your body: Exercise daily, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, schedule rest times. See BACES
Maintain a routine: Get up and go to bed at the same times every day. Make a daily schedule for work or study, share the chores, meals, fun and relaxation, connecting with others. Use a weekly planner.
Write down the activities which energise and uplift you, and those which calm and relax you. Schedule at least one each into your day.
Plan fun and enjoyment: whatever works for you. If you enjoy reading, most local libraries offer free loans of audio and e-books. Check your local library website. Amazon offers free Kindle e-books and Audible is also offering many free audiobooks. Listen to music - or play/learn an instrument. Watch films or box sets on TV or via online streaming services. Play board games or complete a jigsaw puzzle. Participate in a quiz. ChatterPack ideas
Do something you've been meaning to do: declutter the house, upcycle a piece of furniture, tidy the garden or shed.
Be creative: paint, draw, compose, write a poem or short story, write a novel, keep an isolation journal including things to be grateful for, build a boat or space-ship out of recycling materials, invent something.
Connect with others: Keep in touch with family or friends, or contact someone you haven't heard from in a long time. Phone a friend, video call family, use social media wisely. If you feel totally alone, then call a national helpline such as SupportLine and others here, or via a website such as Web of Loneliness.
Limit news and social media: too much can make us feel anxious, sad or angry. Keep up with new Government advice and local news once or twice a day, but don't listen to or watch news or social media all day! Use ONLY safe sources, e.g. Gov.uk - Gov.gg - WHO - NHS - 111 NHS - BBC
Be kind: local volunteer groups are appearing everywhere. Search online (e.g. Facebook groups) to join. If you have vulnerable neighbours and you're not self-isolating, let them know you can help out and give them your telephone number.
Ask for help: if you're vulnerable, needing to self-isolate, or locked-down and you don't have friends or family to help, make contact with a local volunteer group by searching online (e.g. Facebook groups) or ask your local library, citizens advice bureau or council. Most people are keen to help at this time, so please ask. Some communities have set up their own ways of asking for help.
Mental Health support: Contact your GP or local MIND or other local group for advice, or call the Samaritans. Follow the self help information and guides in the links below.
Coping with Anxiety (See this video from The Guardian) It is entirely normal and appropriate to be somewhat anxious about the novel coronavirus and Covid-19. We are all worried and anxious, and it is right that we are. The worrying thoughts and uncomfortable feelings will help remind us to follow our government's advice to help protect us and our loved ones. However, sometimes the anxiety feels overwhelming, but we can use self help techniques to help us cope with the anxious thoughts and feelings.
Find out more at https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/pandemic.htm