Covid-19 Advice and Resources

Anxiety and distress are a normal reaction to the current pandemic. A lot of things currently feel uncertain and we have never faced this specific health threat before. You may have had to change your routine, been asked to work from home or practice social-distancing with friends and family – all of these things may be having a big impact on well-being.

Despite this there are ways you can help yourself to keep as psychologically well as possible during this time. Below we have a collection of suggestions, webpages, podcasts and apps that we hope can help. Professor David Clark, (the National Clinical Director for all the NHS services like iCope) has made the following recommendations:

In the current stressful situation, it is important that we pay attention to mental health as well as physical health. Here are some tips that may help manage very understandable anxiety and worry.

Take recommended precautions

We all need to take the precautions recommended by Government and the NHS in order to reduce transmission and protect the vulnerable, even if we think we are not particularly vulnerable ourselves. There is quite a bit of fake news circulating on social media. Go to trusted websites for advice such as NHS UK and gov.uk

BUT avoid spending most of your time searching for updates and news.

In such a situation it is tempting to keep checking your phone and searching the web/ social media for news and updates. That is unnecessary and likely to generate more anxiety and worry. Instead you may want to plan to check at specific times, perhaps just once or twice a day.

Keep Active

If you are working from home, try to continue with your projects and routines, at a pace that works for you. If you find yourself with much more spare time than usual, think of creating some new routines or activities. Are there books you always wanted to read but haven’t got around to? Films? Photos to organize? Recipes you haven’t tried? Painting, drawing, etc. Choose things that are meaningful to you.

Some people may find it more difficult to get going in the morning. Keeping normal basic routines like getting up at a specific time, showering, getting dressed etc, can help.

Look after yourself

Eat healthily and regularly, consider moderating alcohol intake, get plenty of sleep, and exercise. All of these are good for the immune system and tend to help mood as well. Of course, social isolation means not going to gyms or exercising in groups but an exercise routine at home, in the garden (if you have one), or in a largely empty park is feasible. There are many home exercise videos available on You-tube. Some gyms have their own virtual instructors. In stressful times, some of us can become self-critical. You’ve got enough burdens without that. Be kind to yourself. If you live with others, remember they are also under stress and try not to personalize any irritating actions.

Become MORE socially connected

We have to physically distance ourselves from others, but we are social beings. Compensate by reaching out to friends and colleagues using social media, phone calls, Facetime, Skype, Zoom etc. This will combat the loneliness we can feel when physically isolated. Create regular ways of linking with your work colleagues even if you are all working from home. Maybe a daily group video conference? Consider creating a WhatsApp, Slack or other social media group. Click here for some further information for couples to consider during COVID-19 and the easing of lockdown.

Be Kind to Others

Kindness is a double blessing. It makes the person who receives a kind act feel better and it makes you feel better for doing it.

From Oxford Anxiety Disorders and Trauma Group.

The local boroughs are coordinating practical support which can we be explored in the below links. They can help with things like doing food shopping, emergency food packages, collecting medication from the pharmacy or more general practical advice.

For services see Camden here; Islington here and Kingston here.

Please also see here for up to date government guidance on social distancing, shielding, safe travel and more.

Citizens Advice – General and legal advice around employment, debts, benefits and more.

ACAS – provide Law Advice For Business Owners and Employers.

Get Back on Track (Islington Only Service) – Able to help people back into work after a period of being of sick. Also able to advise on rights and legal advice.

Turn 2 Us – Up to date information on Benefits & Coronavirus.

UnionLine – Information for Employers on how to provide safe work environment. With a helpful list of frequently asked questions.

Handwashing & Social distancing

Video on Government Advice here

For more information on Social Distancing, and up to date guidance please visit the Government Website. 

Video by Dr Russ Harris outlining some key and basic tips to managing your emotional  wellbeing during this time.

Samaritans 

Every Mind Matters

Mental Health Foundation

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder UK

Mind

Some information for couples to consider during COVID19 and the easing of lockdown.

Anxiety UK also have a free helpline (03444 775 774) and a text message service (07537 416905)

Talk for Health (Offer online peer support groups)

Apps & Podcasts

Good Thinking

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

NHS Mental Health Apps Library 

NHS Choices Wellbeing Audio Guides

Calm – Sleep, Relaxation and Meditation  App

Headspace – Meditation App

MindEd – advice and tips from our large panel of international experts. For all frontline staff created with NHS Health Education England in partnership with NHS England-Improvement, supported by Skills for Care.

Front Line 19  – Offering free confidential support for front line workers.

Trauma Group – Tips and advice around coping with stress for hospital workers.

NHS Employers – Collection of resources available for NHS workers.

Help for victims

Gov.uk – What is domestic and signs to look out for.

24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Refuge –  supports women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and human trafficking and modern slavery.

Refuge COVID-19 Safety Tips

Help for perpetrators  

Respect Phoneline

Doctors of the World – Translated COVID-19 Information Materials

Mencap – Easy read guidance and support for those with a learning disability.

SignHealth – COVID-19 support in British Sign Language.