On this platform you’ll find tips from others, as well as links to professional support from mental health charities. If you’re in a life threatening situation, please call 999. If you feel your mental health is at a breaking point, find the helpline that’s right for you here.
We live under exceptional circumstances and this too shall pass.
Together we #StayStrong
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How we #StayStrong
Here are some of our favourite tips from other people. Let us know what you’re doing to #StayStrong and tag us in your content to feature on our page
@staystrong.org.uk
When you’re feeling ANXIOUS
You may feel worried or unsettled by what’s going on in the world, and if you’re feeling anxious then that’s ok. It’s perfectly natural to worry about your health and to want your loved ones to be safe. It’s hard to say for how long the coronavirus will impact our lives, so we have to adjust to some unknowns about the immediate and long-term future. Different things work for different people, but try to focus on the things you can control, such as what you do, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information. You can always share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too. If you cannot speak to someone you know or if doing so has not helped, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead.
For more info about anxiety, try any of the links below.
When you’re feeling BORED
Staying home is the most important and effective thing you can do to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It can feel very limiting, especially if you’re used to an active lifestyle. You can try to adjust your routine, but there will inevitably be things that you’re unable to do. That is frustrating, but think about how you can use this time away from life’s usual priorities to start something new.
Making small goals such as trying a recipe or starting to learn a new language can help you to feel more positive about yourself. Different things work for different people, but try to do something you enjoy and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be productive.
Have a look at these pages for more tips for your quarantine.
When you’re feeling LONELY
Government guidance to stay at home is something most of us have never experienced before. It limits our social contact and we have to live in a form of self-isolation. Whether you’re someone who usually likes to be alone or not, the current situation can make you feel lonely. Even if you don’t live alone, the lack of social contact with others can affect your mood. Whilst we are physically isolated, it’s more important than ever to reach out to people to talk, and to be there to listen to others. Self-isolation doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Talk about the way you feel with a trusted friend or family member.
And if you don’t feel you have someone to talk to right now, try a community board or web chat from a mental health charity like the ones below.
When you’re feeling DOWN
When you need HELP
Whatever you’re facing, Samaritans are here to listen. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health during the coronavirus outbreak, call free on 116 123.
Domestic abuse is all about power and control. It is much more than physical violence - it can also include economic abuse, technological abuse, or coercive control. It often involves a perpetrator isolating women from their support networks. That’s why it’s important we shine a light on the issue and ensure women know they are not alone and know there is support available to them. In England and Wales almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse at some time in their life. That’s why we want every woman to know the number for Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Share this number far and wide - 0808 2000 247.
If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), or use their crisis text messenger service.
If you’re 18 or under you can chat with a counsellor or call Childline for free on 0800 1111. At the moment you can reach them every day from 9pm to midnight. Adults concerned about a child, call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
If you are under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, call Papyrus's HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends: 0800 0684141.
If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 585858 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), or use their webchat service.
About us.
Everyone has mental health. And when times get hard, it’s good to realise that we’re not alone.
We need their support more than ever, and they need ours. With so many fundraising events cancelled, they urgently need your support. Please donate via the links below.
Together we #StayStrong.
