A ST HELENS GP has warned we “cannot underestimate” the impact restrictions on our way of life will have on our mental health.
Dr Laura Pogue, clinical lead for mental health for St Helens CCG, said the coronavirus pandemic is “one of the worst situations we have experienced in our lifetime”.
This is why it is really important, she said, to take some simple steps to protect your wellbeing.
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“COVID-19 restrictions, such as not being able to see family, friends, losing loved ones to the condition, can be overwhelming and extremely stressful,” Dr Pogue said.
“Loss of jobs, financial worries, family events cancelled, and the uncertainty of our future is overwhelming.
“This is one of the worst situations we have experienced in our lifetime.
“We cannot underestimate the impact it will have on our mental health, due to social isolation, worry, anxiety and loss of sleep.
“Simple steps to protect your wellbeing or prevent it getting worse is really important.”
To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today, Dr Pogue has given some tips to help people look after their mental health during this testing time.
These include simple things such as getting dressed for the day and following a routine.
Physical exercise is also important, especially outdoors where you can “connect with nature”.
Things like meditation, mindfulness, or prayer can also help.
Try to keep busy with chores or hobbies, such as listening to music, arts and crafts, gardening, reading, or watching a movie.
Dr Pogue said alcohol and caffeine consumption should be minimised and try to limit social media to avoid “information overload” about COVID-19.
“Nothing is more important than looking after your mental health in the current situation,” Dr Pogue added.
“COVID-19 restrictions can feel overwhelming for many so please don’t suffer in silence.
“All our NHS mental health services remain very much open for business and your GP is also available to speak to you – whether on a phone, video call or face to face – to offer support, help and signposting.
“You can also call the St Helens 24/7 mental health crisis line on 01925 275309 if you or someone you know is really struggling and needs immediate help.”
Across Cheshire and Merseyside, a campaign aimed at key workers and the general public has launched today to support Mental Health Awareness Week.
The Kind to Your Mind campaign has been developed by the NHS and local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside and is backed by former Premier League star Andy Cole.
The former Manchester United striker has previously spoken publicly about his battle with depression following his playing days.
He said: “Like many people, I’ve struggled with my mental health and the current situation has not helped that. For some men, it might feel like the best thing to do is ignore how you’re feeling, so you don’t have to face up the reality of what you’re going through.
“Even as a player, when I wasn’t feeling well, I’d just get on with it. But that approach doesn’t work, and I ended up picking up more health concerns because of it.
“I now know that you have to talk about how you’re feeling. For many men this can be difficult, it’s seen as a sign of weakness, that they’re admitting to a vulnerability. But the more I’ve talked about my mental health, the more it has helped me and made me feel much better.
“What I’ve learned in football, especially when working with Sir Alex Ferguson, is that you never give up and you keep going until the referee blows his final whistle, and I think that can also be true for your mental health. The important thing is to keep going, even when it’s tough.”
The campaign provides practical information and useful tools such as, ALMA, an online portal with mental and physical wellbeing resources and the Kind to Your Mind podcast series, with guest such as Andy Cole and the Sunday Times best-selling author and GP, Dr Rangan Chatterjee.
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The podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Kind to Your Mind website.
The Kind to Your Mind website also contains a number of crisis helplines, which have been recently launched and offer 24/7 support for those living in Cheshire and Merseyside.
To learn more about Kind to Your Mind and to listen to the podcast, visit kindtoyourmind.org
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