Read on Twitter
Hi everyone, I’m Dr Nick Lake. I’m going to be talking to you over the next hour about looking after your emotional wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic. Share your experiences and ask questions using the hashtag #LetsTalkSussex
Whether directly or indirectly, we’ve all been affected in some way by coronavirus, and for many, it has had a negative effect on their mental health. I think this is for 3 key reasons… #LetsTalkSussex
Firstly, we all function and feel our best when we’re in a period of certainty and safety. It’s when we learn best, we thrive and our immune systems are at their best. Covid puts us under threat, both physically and emotionally… #LetsTalkSussex
Secondly, we function better when we have a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Our regular hobbies and routines all give us that purpose and therefore make us feel more content and happy, and this has been taken away over the last few months… #LetsTalkSussex
And finally, social connection. Connecting with other people plays a really important part in our mental health, and of course these opportunities have been limited by our need to isolate and socially distance during the pandemic #LetsTalkSussex
I’d like to hear how you have been managing during this difficult time. Have you needed to access mental health and wellbeing services in Sussex? Or have you perhaps had your own coping strategies you’d like to share? Join the conversation using #LetsTalkSussex
We've had a question from @jayyneb: how can people support mental wellbeing when they have been shielding and still anxious about going out and catching covid? #LetsTalkSussex
A) It's normal and understandable that people will still be feeling anxious about going out. the important thing is to try to remain grounded with the thought that as long as you are following government advice, the chances are that you will be fine [1/3] #LetsTalkSussex
A) We must also recognise, that remaining unnecessarily isolated, will also be having an impact on them in negative ways, particularly emotionally. Some people are needing to continue to self-isolate, and if you are, the top tips are... #LetsTalkSussex
stay informed, reach out to others through online tools or via the telephone, structure your day with things that give you a sense of meaning and purpose, try and make sure you exercise regularly, keep to your sleep routines and still eat healthily... #LetsTalkSussex
All of this will contribute to maintaining your emotional wellbeing. If you are struggling, please get in touch with the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0300 5000 101 #LetsTalkSussex
Q) How can I support my teenage son who has been really struggling with his moods since the beginning of lockdown? He is becoming more and more withdrawn and suffering from a lack of social interaction and routine #LetsTalkSussex
A) Our younger people are struggling particularly during this time - particularly without the routine of school and the consistent contact with friends. Being shut at home with the family can also be difficult... #LetsTalkSussex
A) If your son is struggling, my first bit of advice is to try to gently talk to him - not in a blaming way - but in a way that seeks to normalise what they are feeling. Keep the communication channels open - with the offer to talk... #LetsTalkSussex
A) Once your son can be open about what they might be finding difficult - or lat least that things are difficult - then it becomes much easier to suggest talking to the GP or giving our mental healthline a ring 0300 5000 101 #LetsTalkSussex
Q) I’ve heard many people talk about struggling with the enormity of what is happening and a sense of a loss of control in their lives. It creates a sense of being overwhelmed and helplessness. How can people cope with this? #LetsTalkSussex
A) It is absolutely right that maintaining a sense of routine including hobbies, contact with friends and engaging in other things that feel meaningful will all help to maintain your emotional wellbeing. The challenge comes when... #LetsTalkSussex
our levels of anxiety and depression mean that we either feel too distracted or lose the motivation to maintain this structure and routine. Burying your head under the duvet isn't going to improve how you are feeling. The top tip here is... #LetsTalkSussex
to make sure that you actively plan for doing something that feels meaningful or purposeful early on in your day, even if it's for only half an hour. Even if it takes a lot of effort to do this task or activity, completing it will give you a sense of... #LetsTalkSussex
achievement which in turn will leave you feeling less depressed, and give you more energy the next day to reestablish more of your routine #LetsTalkSussex
Q) My relationship with my husband has really suffered during lockdown and we are still barely talking. What should I do? #LetsTalkSussex
A) It can be difficult for families when they are cooped up together for long periods of time. Some tips include...
Be kind and use this as an opportunity to care for others - caring makes us feel good.
#LetsTalkSussex
Be kind and use this as an opportunity to care for others - caring makes us feel good.
#LetsTalkSussex
A) Recognise that different people need different amounts of space - and that's OK.
Don't criticise - but do make positive requests - as its easier to respond positively to requests rather than criticism.
Allow each other some slack given the current context.
#LetsTalkSussex
Don't criticise - but do make positive requests - as its easier to respond positively to requests rather than criticism.
Allow each other some slack given the current context.
#LetsTalkSussex
A) Have some fun together - and try new things as a way of building connection together again in positive ways.
You can always contact Relate if things stay difficult http://www.relate.org.uk
#LetsTalkSussex
You can always contact Relate if things stay difficult http://www.relate.org.uk
#LetsTalkSussex
Q) I'm feeling really anxious about getting the virus and it's making it difficult for me to feel I can live a normal life. What should I be doing? #LetsTalkSussex
A) It's normal to feel anxious and worried about how the virus might affect you, particularly if you're in an 'at risk' group. However, worrying only helps if it means you do something proactive, and only if you worry about things you have some control over #LetsTalkSussex
A) So remember the things you can control are:
- Most people can stay safe if they follow government advice on self isolation.
- Maintain a healthy diet, sleep routine and exercise programme.
- Maintain a daily routine.
#LetsTalkSussex
- Most people can stay safe if they follow government advice on self isolation.
- Maintain a healthy diet, sleep routine and exercise programme.
- Maintain a daily routine.
#LetsTalkSussex
A) Once you have done those things, work out how you can reduce the impact of your worrying by:
Trying to keep things in proportion (note risks we take every day when driving but we drive because it enables us to lead the life we want) #LetsTalkSussex
Trying to keep things in proportion (note risks we take every day when driving but we drive because it enables us to lead the life we want) #LetsTalkSussex
A) Keep in contact with family and friends via phone or skype or email - and try to speak to the most sensible member of your family or friendship group who can help you put things into proportion... #LetsTalkSussex
A) Worrying thought: I have a health condition, I'm worried I may become seriously ill with COVID 19.
Truthful thought: By practising social distancing and keeping as well as I can I am reducing my chances of being infected and making a good recovery.
#LetsTalkSussex
Truthful thought: By practising social distancing and keeping as well as I can I am reducing my chances of being infected and making a good recovery.
#LetsTalkSussex
Q) My wife lost her mother to COVID. She seems stressed and anxious. Might she have what people call PTSD? If so, should she be getting help? #LetsTalkSussex
A) The key message here is that most people work through the loss of loved ones naturally - even though it can feel very painful. It generally helps if they can talk through how they are feeling with people close to them. However... #LetsTalkSussex
A) a few weeks after significant trauma events, complicated bereavement and/or trauma symptoms may begin to emerge. So - I suggest you look out for some of the following things, and if you see your wife struggling then do have a conversation with her about it #LetsTalkSussex
A) •Intrusive images that keep popping into your mind
•Bad dreams and poor sleep
•Agitation
•Avoidance of things that remind the person of the loss
•Increased anger and irritability
•Social detachment and emotional disconnection
#LetsTalkSussex
•Bad dreams and poor sleep
•Agitation
•Avoidance of things that remind the person of the loss
•Increased anger and irritability
•Social detachment and emotional disconnection
#LetsTalkSussex
A) Signs of possible abnormal bereavement include:
•Sense of shock and numbing that doesn’t go away with time
•Emotional deadening and social isolation that doesn’t change over time
•Increased anger and irritability
#LetsTalkSussex
•Sense of shock and numbing that doesn’t go away with time
•Emotional deadening and social isolation that doesn’t change over time
•Increased anger and irritability
#LetsTalkSussex
A) •Denial and lack of acceptance over the loss
•Ongoing distress that doesn't moderate with time
•Excess guilt or shame
If she does struggle with any of these, or you're not sure what to do, please contact the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0300 5000 101 #LetsTalkSussex
•Ongoing distress that doesn't moderate with time
•Excess guilt or shame
If she does struggle with any of these, or you're not sure what to do, please contact the Sussex Mental Healthline on 0300 5000 101 #LetsTalkSussex
Q) Is it normal to still be worrying about COVID19 even though we are moving out of lockdown? I'm actually feeling more anxious now than before #LetsTalkSussex
A) It is very normal to feel afraid, stressed and confused given that the threat of COVID19 - physically and in our jobs and relationships - hasn't gone away. To try to manage your worry I would suggest the following: #LetsTalkSussex
A) Try to stay grounded in the facts (accessing government website rather than broader social media), remembering that most of us will only get a mild illness so it's important to try to keep things in proportion #LetsTalkSussex
A) Try not to worry about things you can't control - its wasted energy and we all need to maintain our energy reserves in the weeks ahead.
Remind yourself that you do have some control over things if you follow the guidance on self-isolation and that is enough #LetsTalkSussex
Remind yourself that you do have some control over things if you follow the guidance on self-isolation and that is enough #LetsTalkSussex
A) Take control of your worrying about things you can't control by letting the worrying thoughts float over you - notice them but don’t get caught in constantly trying to find solutions.
Take responsibility for distracting yourself... #LetsTalkSussex
Take responsibility for distracting yourself... #LetsTalkSussex
A) limit your news intake and focus on positive things. A good tip is to focus on helping other people which can be a great distraction. Also focus on doing small practical things. Some people find meditation or mindfulness very helpful... #LetsTalkSussex
e.g. using @Headspace or other meditation apps on-line #LetsTalkSussex
There is lots of support available to help you in times of poor mental health or crisis. Every Mind Matters provides useful tips and suggestions on maintaining your wellbeing while staying at home. Get a free personalised mind plan at http://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ #LetsTalkSussex
If you are struggling with your mental health, the sooner you seek help, the better. The first thing you should do is visit your GP. They may be able to help you themselves, or they can refer you to more specialist mental health services #LetsTalkSussex
The Sussex Mental Healthline offers crisis care for people in urgent need who might be experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and you don’t need an appointment. Call 0300 5000 101 for support #LetsTalkSussex
Sussex Partnership Trust run virtual ‘Working Together’ groups, where you can meet others with lived experience of mental health problems and be part of discussions on how to improve mental health services. New faces are always welcome! Find out more @WTG_SPFT #LetsTalkSussex
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse, or you're worried about someone you know, there are people who can help right now. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Visit http://www.preventingsuicideinsussex.org for local support #LetsTalkSussex
Thanks for joining me and I really hope this has been helpful. It’s important to remember that if you are suffering, you are not alone, there is support out there and it will get better. If you feel like you need help, don’t put it off #LetsTalkSussex
There is a wealth of information available on the @withoutstigma website at http://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/advice-and-support and other resources shared in this thread. Mental health services are still here for you when you need them #LetsTalkSussex
There will be many more opportunities to join the Big Health and Care (socially distancing) Conversation over the coming weeks. You can share your experiences of health and care during covid, or ask questions at https://bit.ly/SxBHCC20 #LetsTalkSussex
