If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed by what is happening in Ukraine?
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed by what is happening in Ukraine, it’s no surprise. We want you to know that you are not alone, and support is available. The following advice may help you to cope.
- Weigh up what you can affect and what you can’t. Focus on what you can do and consciously accept what you can’t change. Once you know what you can do, for example raising money for charity (Red Cross and Unicef), work on that trusting this will bring some relief to those that are suffering.
- Limit news consumption. It’s hard to get away from current world events, especially 24 news and news alerts frequently
popping up on your phone. Set aside a small part of your day to look at the news, say 30 minutes, and try not to exceed this amount of time. - Don’t neglect yourself during this time. Schedule some self-care. Eat healthy; keep exercising; sleep enough, find some escapism and keep connected to others.
- The Samaritans self-help web app can help you track your mood and includes practical tips on looking after your emotional health.
- Connect with others. Don’t suffer alone. Talk to friends and family. If you are really struggling with your mental health and it is disrupting your everyday life, seek professional help and talk to your GP.
Ask for help. There are many organisations out there who can offer support like those listed here:
- Samaritans - offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, phone on 116 123 www.samaritans.org
- Mind BLMK – offers mental health support across BLMK phone: 0300 330 0648 www.mind-blmk.org.uk
- Calm (the campaign against living miserably) helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year : 0800 58 58 58,
- Webchat Service www.thecalmzone.net
- Kooth – mental health support and advice for 11–19-year-olds, available 365 days a year www.kooth.com
- Shout – text shout to 85258 24/7 free text service for anyone in crisis anywhere www.giveusashout.org
- Keeping Well BLML Service – confidential wellbeing and psychological support for care professionals www.keepingwellblmk.nhs.uk
- Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service www.bedfordshirewellbeingservice.nhs.uk
- Milton Keynes Talking Therapies www.mktalkingtherapies.nhs.uk
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Events - for residents and those who work in BLMK www.mktalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/blmk-events
- Heads Up - support and information specifically for men https://thisisheads-up.uk