People struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak will be offered additional online support and practical guidance to help them cope, Mental Health Minister Nadine Dorries has announced.
In recognition of the unprecedented challenges which the outbreak and extended periods of self-isolation can pose, Public Health England has published new online guidance setting out principles to follow to help people to manage their mental health, such as:
- maintaining contact with friends and family via telephone and video calls, or social media
- keeping a regular routine and sleeping pattern
- focusing on a hobby or learning something new
Parents and carers will also benefit from tailored advice on how to support children and young people with stress during the Coronavirus outbreak, which includes providing clear information, being aware of their own reactions and creating a new routine.
Today’s guidance has been developed in partnership with leading mental health charities and clinically assured by the NHS. It also includes steps that those living with serious mental health problems can take, including seeking support from their mental health teams.
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