D R M T R AV E L A N D L E I S U R E
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
TIPS TO GET THROUGH WINTER
Winter is upon us and with the pandemic restrictions impacting our lives, it is crucial that we look after our mental health and wellbeing. Here are a few tips to support your mental health over the next few months… LOCKDOWN has been challenging for many people, and the situation has caused some big and sudden changes to our lifestyle. You might be feeling more overwhelmed, especially if your mental health often worsens during the winter months or you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The pandemic has had a huge impact
on our lives. Some of us might have found that there were some unexpected perks of lockdown, such as getting to spend more time with family or housemates, finding more time for exercise and getting more sleep. Others might have faced additional challenges, such as feeling more isolated, experiencing problems with health and finances. It’s important to note that there’s no ‘normal’ response to lockdown restrictions. You might be worried about sharing how you’re feeling with a loved one, but if there is someone you can open up to, it can make a big difference. For more information on managing feelings about lockdown visit mind.org.uk/ coronavirus
If you experience a loss of freedom
such as being unable to drive or being reliant on others, then this can, again, contribute to feelings of loneliness. Self-care is also really important – try to make sure you maintain a healthy diet and take part in as much regular
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physical activity as you feel able to do, as well as trying to get a good night’s sleep. Some people find that taking extra vitamin B12 or a Vitamin D supplement is also helpful. You can find tips, including on diet and exercise at mind.org.uk
I”IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THERE’S NO ‘NORMAL’ RESPONSE TO LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS.” If you think you might be
experiencing a mental health problem or your feelings and emotions begin to impact your day-to-day life, you should talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. Speaking to your GP is often the best course of action as they can talk you through the best support for you. Mind has produced a guide on how to speak to your GP about mental health. Visit mind.org.uk/findthewords
Online peer support groups such as
Mind’s Side by Side can also be really important for maintaining social contact, especially if you live with a disability that makes it difficult to meet up with people in person.
About Mind: We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. mind.org.uk Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday). For information and support on staying mentally healthy at this time, visit mind.org.uk/coronavirus Our online mental health community Side by Side is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return. Find out more at sidebyside.mind.org.uk Mind’s income has been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus, largely due to the temporary closure of our charity shops across England and Wales, and the cancellation or postponement of major fundraising events. To help us continue our vital work, donate to our emergency appeal: mind. org.uk/donate Mind offers free resources for employers to help improve mental wellbeing. For more information, visit mind.org.uk/work
Au t h o r : S te p h e n B u ckl ey, H e a d of I nfo r m a t i o n a t M I N D. m i n d .o r g .u k Tw i t te r : @ M i n d C h a r i t y I n s ta g ra m : @ m i n d c h a r i t y Fa ce boo k : @ m i n d fo r b et te r m e nta l health
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