How we can look after our own mental health during lockdown
If we want to look after our children's mental health - we need to take care of ourselves too.
The Coronavirus pandemic has changed all our lives and to learn more about how we can look after our wellbeing, we’ve spoken to psychologist Dr Charlotte Hilton.
Those of us who are used to exercising in perhaps a gym environment or a class environment, clearly that's going to be impacted upon, so we might need to think differently about how we get that all-important physical activity and exercise.
"What we do know is that physical activity has very strong preventative powers and helps people to manage at least over 20 long term conditions including people who have symptoms of mental ill-health so it's absolutely critical that we maintain our exercise and outdoors if possible."
Who to contact if you or someone you know needs help
Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, by calling 116 123. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
Mind also offer mental health support between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can call them on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463. There is also lots of information available on their website.
Campaign Against Living Miserably's (CALM) helpline and webchat are open from 5pm until midnight, 365 days a year. Call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or chat to their trained helpline staff online. No matter who you are or what you're going through, it's free, anonymous and confidential.
NHS 111: Non-emergency advice online: NHS 111 advice online (Only call 111 if you cannot get help online). People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.