‘Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards recovery’

PROFESSOR Kamaldeep Bhui (below left) is an honorary professor at the Centre for Psychiatry at Queen Mary University of London. He stressed the importance of regular physical activity and following a healthy lifestyle with minimum alcohol consumption and smoking.

“Try and do something each day for 30 minutes, longer is better, and it should not exhaust you,” he said. His suggestions include – get out in the fresh air, walk, take in the world; exercise more if can; eat well; try to stay connected with friends and family, but socially distanced; and use all the precautions – hand gel, face masks, social distancing. Staying in touch with friends and family by phone and video conferencing can also help, professor Bhui said.

“It’s not difficult to do with a little guidance. Volunteering for the community and for local charities can be really rewarding, as long as you take precautions. It gets you out of the house and gives you a role, and it also helps your community if you volunteer in essential services, but only if you are not in a high-risk category and you are well.

“In the end, we all need to take a measured view about what we need to remain well and happy, so consider this for yourself and work towards doing the things that help.”

According to him, people do recover and manage their mental health successfully using psychotherapies, medication, and other forms of self-care.

People also enjoy gardening or art or other forms of leisure and hobbies that help them remain mentally active and healthy, Bhui added.

“Most people acknowledge the worries about Covid, but mental health problems are still stigmatised, perhaps go unnoticed, so if you are anxious or feeling low in mood, ask for help from your GP. Acknowledging the problem is the first step.

“Also, manage your sleep well and ensure you are active in the day and schedule in regular activities you enjoy, as well as what you might have to do for work.

“If you are becoming low in mood or excessively anxious seek help and advice. If you have specific worries about rent, employment, accommodation finances, there is help and advice out there from government and in local health and social care agencies. Get to know your local services and agencies.”