Mental Health Support during Covid-19

South Tyneside Council wants to remind residents that support is available to help people manage their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

With data showing one in four people are worried about the effect the virus is having on their mental health, tips and advice are being shared to help people through the Coronavirus pandemic and particularly the second national lockdown.

Public Health England's Every Mind Matters website has been updated to include Covid-19 specific content around issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and sleeping problems. People can also complete a personal 'Mind Plan' - a free, interactive tool offering tailored mental well-being advice. To see the advice on offer visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "The impact that Coronavirus is having on people's lives may cause anxiety, stress and frustration. These are extremely worrying times for everybody so it is perfectly normal to feel this way about the current situation.

"However, it has never been more important to take care of our mental health. After the announcement of the second national lockdown, we all know how important it is to stay home to save lives and protect the NHS, but it's also important to look after ourselves and each other."

She added: "There are lots of little things we can all do to take care of our mental health and wellbeing during times of uncertainty. Staying connected with people through video calls or social media, talking about your worries, eating well-balanced meals and exercising can all help.

"Every Mind Matters also offer a free 24-hour listening support service which can be reached on 116 1232. The website is full of helpful advice so I would encourage everyone to take a look."

In addition, there is an online service called Kooth which supports the mental wellbeing and resilience of young people. The confidential support service is available to young people aged between 10-25 and to care leavers up to the age of 25.  

Kooth offers young people the opportunity to have a text-based conversation with a qualified counsellor. Counsellors are available from 12noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends. Young people can also access articles, forums and discussion boards which are all age appropriate, clinically approved and fully moderated. For more information, visit www.kooth.com.

Other support services for mental health and wellbeing include:

·       First Contact Clinical: 0191 432 9838 www.firstcontactclinical.co.uk 

·       WHiST: 0191 454 6959 www.whist.org.uk

·       Mental Health Concern: 0191 427 0011 www.mentalhealthconcern.org

·       Washington Mind: 0191 417 8043 www.washingtonmind.org.uk

·       South Tyneside Lifecycle: 0191 283 2937 www.southtynesidelifecyclementalhealth.nhs.uk