The Mental Health Foundation is a charity specialising in research and policy development, with a focus on preventing mental health problems. We are not able to advise people directly on their personal circumstances however, we can provide information and advice on different mental health conditions, as well as access to support groups to aid your wellbeing.

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Looking after your mental health while you have to stay at home during the Coronavirus outbreak:

• The government is now advising us to avoid all but essential social contact.
• This will mean that more of us will be spending a lot of time at home and many of our regular social activities will no longer be available to us.
• It will help to try and see it as a different period of time in your life, and not necessarily a bad one, even if you didn’t choose it.
• It will mean a different rhythm of life, a chance to be in touch with others in different ways than usual.
• Be in touch with other people regularly on social media, e-mail or on the phone, as they are still good ways of being close to the people who matter to you.
• Create a new daily routine that prioritises looking after yourself:
• You could try to read more or watch movies
• Find ways to keep movement or exercise in your life
• Try new relaxation techniques or find new knowledge on the internet.
• Try and rest and view this as a new if unusual experience that might have its benefits.
• Make sure your wider health needs are being looked after such as having enough prescription medicines available to you.

To read out full tips on how to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak visit: https://mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR0Wo2LMU1IgmfA2KLFYxVuB2LsIJ2PI9FN1TQ_WF8V-Q-cXLkjHRvTxXIw

Need support? Samaritans are available 24/7 for free on 116 123 (UK) and are here to offer emotional support.

If you are concerned that you are developing a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP as a matter of priority. If you are in distress and need immediate help and are unable to see a GP, you should visit your local A&E. There are also a number of mental health organisations that provide helplines.