Lockdown mental health help is available online
A major health campaign has been launched in the North East after a survey revealed the impact COVID-19 and the current lockdown has had on adults' mental wellbeing.
Research by Public Health England found almost half – 49% – of people felt the pandemichasimpactednegatively on their mental health, saying they had been experiencing more anxiety, sleep problems and low mood.
Nearly six in ten people (58%) said they were were missing friends and family, 55% had uncertainties over finances and employment, and 56% were worried about their family’s health.
Public Health England’s ‘Better Health - Every Mind Matters’ campaign aims to support more people to take action to look after their own, family and friend’s mental health.
The campaign encourages people to get a free NHSapproved help plan at www. nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mindmatters
By answering five questions, people get a personalised action plan to help them deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better and feel more in control.
The campaign is being supported by mental health charities, including Mind, Samaritans, Young Minds and Rethink.
Dr Claire Sullivan, Health andWellbeingdeputydirector for public health in the North East, said: “This past year has been incredibly challenging andpeoplehaveexperienceda huge amount of hardship and upheaval.
“The good news is that there are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing. I would urge everyone to find out about the free support available to help us get through this challenging time.”