If you're worried about your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic

You may be feeling more worried or unsettled by what's going on in the world. It might seem like a lot is happening outside of our control, and this can feel overwhelming. As we settle into winter, we know that we’re going to be spending our time a little differently this season. It’s natural that these changes can affect our mental health and wellbeing. At Samaritans, we’re committed to helping you if you’re struggling to cope, however we can.

Samaritans is a critical service, needed now more than ever. Our volunteers are working hard to minimise disruption to our services and support the people who need us. While it may take us longer to answer the phone or respond to emails, we're still here, 24 hours a day. 

The latest government guidance and lockdown measures mean that we won't have the social contact that some of us are used to. It’s normal that the uncertainty and changes to our day-to-day lives might affect our mood. During this time, it will be important to look after our mental health. If you’re finding things tough, share how you are feeling with others, however you can.

In case it’s helpful, we have gathered some tips and resources to help you look after your wellbeing at this time.

Tips for taking care of your mental health

• Pay attention to what you're feeling – Our self-help web app can help you track your mood and includes practical tips and techniques to help you look after your emotional health.
• Connect with people you love – Although we may be physically isolated from one another, it’s more important than ever for us to feel socially connected, so try and reach out to people to talk, and try to be there to listen to others.
• Talk about your feelings – Talking about how you’re feeling can help put things into perspective and may help you feel more positive about the future. If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, you are never alone. Samaritans volunteers are here for you.
• Keep to a routine – Planning your day can help you feel grounded if you're feeling uncertain about the future. Try to prioritise eating well, getting plenty of sleep and exercising – wrapping up warm for a short walk outside at lunchtime can be a great place to start. 
• Make time for something you enjoy – You could try learning a new skill, doing something creative or revisiting your favourite books and movies. If you’re active online, making time for other activities can help you take a break from the news cycle or social media.
• Try a relaxation exercise – Sometimes something simple like controlled breathing can help us feel calmer. Follow along with the video below or try the muscle relaxation exercise on our practical things you can do to help yourself cope page.