For Mental Health Week 2020 I have published a free booklet looking at and discussing a range of topics surrounding mental health, particularly in the context of the mental health challenges the Coronavirus outbreak presents to us all and to us each individually.
The lockdown we have all been following affects everybody, young and old, healthy and vulnerable. By necessity, the lockdown requires a curtailing and restriction of our freedoms.These restrictions mean many residents are experiencing greater anxiety related to their health, to being unable to leave the house, or to the future. Other residents are facing stresses about losing their jobs or financial concerns. We have all lost our routines, our pastimes, and our social lives, and some are suffering from isolation and loneliness. Others will not be used to spending so much time with their household and are feeling trapped, in many cases with restless children forced home away from school. NHS appointments and other vital services have been altered or restricted, and we are worrying about our families and our friends. These are only some of the issues we are facing which create or add to mental health challenges we face.
However, as an area and as a nation, we know that these lockdown measures are not only necessary, but critical. Without them, we will see a return of an increasing spread, we will see a second peak and we will see our fantastic NHS become overwhelmed.
This booklet, freely accessible below, looks at what we can do to help both our own mental health and that of others, as well as providing a list of key contacts.
