The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
DON’T JUST SUFFER IN SILENCE
The Body Coach is encouraging people to talk about their feelings during this latest Covid lockdown THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS PROBABLY TO CHAT TO PEOPLE, COMMUNICATE, REACH OUT TO YOUR FAMILY
L ike so many of us, Joe Wicks is finding another lockdown mentally challenging.
The Body Coach broke down in tears in a recent Instagram video, saying: “It really hit me tonight how long this has gone on. You can be the most upbeat person, but it’ll catch you – it’ll creep up on you when you’re not expecting it, and that’s what I feel like.
“I’m trying to let you know that it’s OK to feel upset and down right now, and it’s OK to not be this really strong person all the time. I think the most important thing is probably to chat to people, communicate, reach out to your family.
“I don’t have anxiety or depression, but right now I feel so low, so down, and I know it’s going to pass – it’s a phase – but there are people out there who are going to be feeling way worse, and that’s what really affects my emotions.”
To help people get through this period, the popular fitness coach restarted his PE with Joe series on Monday. Similar to the first lockdown, he has been hosting the workouts on his Youtube channel – The Body Coach TV – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
He added: “I’m hoping that three days are going to help young children and families get through this difficult time when schools are closed, bring some energy and change their mood.”
The 35-year-old emphasised the need to stay positive and connected over the next few weeks and months.
During the first lockdown in April last year, the Mental Health Foundation found one in four people experienced feelings of loneliness – compared to one in 10 before restrictions set in. It also found young people aged between 18 and 24 were most likely to feel lonely, with almost half experiencing these feelings.
The new lockdown can feel daunting, so it’s a good idea to take Wicks’ advice and talk about your feelings, rather than keeping them bottled up. If you need urgent help, you can contact your local GP or the NHS out-of-hours service by dialling 111.
If you’re looking for someone to chat to more generally, these resources might help.
SAMARITANS
If you want to talk to someone with no judgment or pressure, the Samaritans (samaritans.org) phoneline (116 123) is free and open 24 hours a day. If you’re finding it hard to articulate your feelings out loud, there’s also the option to write an email. If you message jo@samaritans.org, you’ll receive a response within 24 hours.
Everything is free and confidential. Samaritans says: “People contact us with all sorts of concerns, and what might be a small issue to you may be huge to someone else.
“You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time. Either way, we’re here if you feel you need some extra support.”
MAN CHAT ABZ
This Aberdeen mental health charity is determined to get men speaking about mental health. Set up by north-east comedian Wray Thomson, the focus this January is a month of mindfulness.
Weekly mental health exercises are on offer, and are posted on the group’s social media page.
To find out more about the support on offer visit www.facebook.com/manchatabz
CALM
Calm (thecalmzone.net) – the Campaign Against Living Miserably – is the movement against suicide, particularly focusing on the fact 75% of UK suicides are male.
You can call the helpline on 0800 58 58 58 and chat to a trained support worker between 5pm and midnight every day, or you can speak to someone online through the webchat.
If you’re struggling with the new restrictions, Calm recommends staying connected with your friends and family, focusing on the things you can control (like going for a run or watching your favourite TV show), getting some consistency in your days, and remembering to be kind to yourself.
MIKEYSLINE
Born from tragedy, the Inverness-based charity has campaigned tirelessly to improve mental health support in the Highlands.
It now offers confidential support for anyone in crisis or facing mental health issues.
You can contact the evening textline on 07786 20 77 55 or visit www.mikeysline.co.uk
KINCARDINE AND DEESIDE BEFRIENDING
Social isolation can have a massive impact on your mental health. If you’re over the age of 55, Kincardine and Deeside Befriending can help.
You’ll be matched with a volunteer befriender, and look forward to regular phone calls during lockdown, with visits in person once restrictions ease.
Phone 01569 765 714 or email info@ kdbefriending.org.uk
RETHINK MENTAL ILLNESS
There are plenty of ways you can chat to someone at Rethink Mental Illness (rethink. org). Its webchat function is available between 10am and 1pm Monday to Friday, you can get in contact via email (advice@rethink.org) or letter, and the phonelines (0300 5000 927) are open for calls and texts between 9.30am and 4pm during the week.
Not only does the charity provide support for those struggling, but it is also there for anyone caring for someone with poor mental health.