Emotional wellbeing while staying at home

YOU or your loved ones may be feeling anxious due to staying indoors for prolonged periods with little contact from family, friends or colleagues (where people are working from home). Professor Bhugra says “Limit the amount of news you watch or read, don’t overwhelm yourself and remember there are certain things that you cannot control so don’t expend energy worrying about things you can’t.”

“One should try and create transition periods during the day with shorthort breaks whether this is for prayers,s, hymns, exercise, yoga or meditation. Even when working from home and iff others may be working around you, it is critical to have a structure to the day.

“Having a designated daily worry time can help on the basis that one should not try and worry rest of the day. Try and connect to one’s sens-ses and reach out to friendsds one on one. One is alloweded to feel anxious, sad and lonelyely in these surreal times, but importantly, it is also critical to know where to seek help from.

“We all know what keeps us content or gets us rattled. For example, listening to music, physical exercise or meditation may not work for everyone, but will most certainly help certain individuals.”

Mental health charity Mind recommends going for a walk at lunchtime during winter, when daylight hours are reduced. Not everyone might have access to gardens or nearby outside space, so try even something like sitting by a window and watching the birds, which can be beneficial. Keep your mind active too.

Consider trying an online course or see if your local library has an app to borrow books, audiobooks, or magazines.

■ Every Mind Matters is an NHS-approved website with expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and support others. At its heart is the free “Mind Plan” quiz, which asks simple questions to help build a personal action plan showing you some simple steps to loolook after your mental healhealth and wellbeing.

■ IfI you need to talk, any timeti of day or night, there are free listening services available that offer confidential advice from trained volunteers: Call 116 123 free of charge or visit ssamaritans.org

■ Shout 85258 offers confidefidential 24/7 crisis text supportsupp for times when you need immediateim assistance. Text “SHOUSHOUT” to 85258 or visit Shout Crisis Text Line

■ Mind’s website has information on mental health and tips for coping with stress, anxiety and uncertainty. See: mind.org.uk/ anxiety and mind.org.uk/coronavirus/

Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (9am - 6pm, Monday-Friday).

NHS urgent mental health helplines offer 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for. Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline via nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth