NHS offer mental health advice to help deal with Covid-19 crisis
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ADVICE on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak is now available on NHS inform, Scotland's health information site.
As people across Scotland adjust to these unusual circumstances, NHS 24’s mental health practitioners anticipate many will experience anxiety and stress about what is going on in the world. In particular, those living alone or who are self-isolating, may be struggling with limited social contact as a result of social distancing measures.
NHS 24 Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, said: "Everyone deals with this type of situation differently, and it may feel like there is a lot going on which is outside of your control.
"Remember it's OK, not to feel OK. Understandably, you may need some additional mental health support at this challenging time. Don't forget that we're all in this together and that support is available from a wide range of organisations to help you get through this."
The NHS inform website hosts the national information service for Covid-19 and now provides online information and practical advice on mental wellbeing at www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus-mental-wellbeing
Guidance is centred on four main areas: Staying informed – having the right information, as news from unreliable
sources can make you feel more upset and anxious; Creating a healthy home routine – helping everyone in your home to keep a sense of calm and order; Staying connected – keeping in touch with friends and family online or
by phone, to help you feel less alone while staying home; Finding support – just talking to someone can help, phonelines such as Breathing Space and Samaritans are there to offer support.
Breathing Space National Co-ordinator, Tony McLaren commented: "We are receiving lots of calls to the Breathing Space helpline from people feeling anxious about their health, or concerned about the health of others.
"It's perfectly understandable to feel this way, and our advisors are here to listen and offer support. Having mental health information available on NHS inform is an additional resource which can be accessed to potentially help ease
anxieties."
Extra funding from the Scottish Government has been made available for NHS24 to develop additional self-help guides, online resources and mental health services to cope with further demand.
For more information visit www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
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