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Mental health and coronavirus
You may feel unsettled, stressed, anxious or uneasy during this difficult time. This is a normal reaction, particularly if you're having to adjust to a new situation. There are things you can try that might help you to manage feelings of anxiety. Staying in touch with friends and family will help. And there are helplines and befriending services that can support you too.
Warning If you need to speak to someone now
Ring the Samaritans for free on 116 123. They're always open. You can talk to them about anything, you do not have to be suicidal.
If you want to talk to someone about how to get professional help, you can call the:
Anxiety
Coronavirus may mean that you're worried about your health and other people you care about.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing (Mind)
Clear Fear is a free app for helping you to recognise, manage and reduce your anxiety and fear.
Coronavirus anxiety: how to cope (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
Contacting people you know
Other people you know are probably also feeling isolated. Your family and friends might be grateful to get a message from you. It might give both of you a chance to talk about your experiences.
Video calls
Seeing someone's face while you are speaking to them can help when you're feeling lonely. There are lots of free video services.
The best video calling apps for Android phones (Digital Unite)
Online communities
Finding a positive online community is a great way to talk to other people and share your experiences.
Gaming with friends
Playing games with someone online can be a good way to connect and share interests.
How gaming helped my mental health (Young Minds)
Helplines and befriending services
The Mix supports adults under 25. They have a helpline, email and live chat service where you can talk to an adviser about anything you're worried about.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) runs a confidential information service. You can call or use webchat. Staff are trained staff to listen, support, inform and signpost. Open from 5pm to midnight.
The SilverLine is a free and confidential helpline for older people. They provide information, friendship and advice to older people. It's open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
SupportLine is a charity for vulnerable, isolated people or people in abusive situations. Their opening hours vary.
NextDoor is an organisation that can help you to meet people in your local community.
The Befriending Network has a directory of local befriending services.
Mind's Peer Support Service links you with local people to share your experiences.
Mindfulness and CBT
Mindshift is a free app for helping you develop strategies to deal with difficult situations. It's based on techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Catch IT (NHS.UK) is a free app developed by the University of Liverpool and University of Manchester. You can use it as a diary to track your mood. It will give you exercises to help you turn negative emotions into positive experiences.
Parents
Children and young people are also anxious. Their lives and routines have changed too. Supporting your child can be hard, particularly if they will not stay home during lockdown.
Supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic (YoungMinds)
Combined Minds is a free app for parents of young people with anxiety.
Young people
Lots of people are feeling anxious at the moment. You can get support.
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