MMA April 20

Look after your mental health too...
Here are some tips issued by Cheshire East Council that we hope will help you,
your friends and your family to look after your mental health at a time when
there is much discussion of potential threats to our physical health.
• The near constant stream of news reports about the outbreak can cause
anyone to feel anxious or distressed so try to minimise watching, reading or
listening to news by only seeking updates at one or two specific times during
the day. Facts can help minimise fears so only get your information from
trusted sources and mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and
protect yourself and loved ones. Look for positive and hopeful stories and
positive images of local people who have experienced COVID-19.
• Try to stay connected - At times of stress, we work better in company and
with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family, by
telephone, email or social media. Protect yourself and be supportive to
others. Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person giving
the help as well as the person receiving support.
• Try to anticipate distress - It is OK to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we
read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or a
mental health problem in the past, or if you have a long-term physical health
condition that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus.
It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other to look
after our physical and mental health. Try and reassure people you know who
may be worried and check in with people who you know are living alone.
• Try not to make assumptions - Don’t judge people and avoid jumping to
conclusions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease. The
Coronavirus can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or sex.
• Maintain routines in daily life as much as possible - At times like these, it
can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can
make you feel worse. During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs
and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
This might include reading, cooking, listening to the radio or watching
TV programmes or movies.
Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise
regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
Exercise if and when you can, but stay more than 2m away from others if
out and about.