COVID-19-Emotional Health (part of the #FeelRealYork campaign)

How are you feeling? Here’s how to feel better….

Coronavirus can make us feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated. Everyone feels different and that’s OK. For most of us, these difficult feelings will pass.

There are simple things we can do to help take care of our mental health and wellbeing. Doing so will help us think clearly, help look after ourselves and those we care about.

1. Stay connected with people

Maintaining healthy relationships with people we trust is important for our mental wellbeing.

If you can, visit or meet up with friends – old and new - and family while following the latest government guidance . Or, stay in touch by phone, video calls or social media.

If you want to stay in touch through using your laptop, smartphone or tablet but need a bit of support to do so, you can contact the team by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551550. 

If you do not have a device and cannot afford to purchase one, or know someone in this situation, then you can contact one of the support provides on our Money, Benefits and Advice page.

2. Talk about your worries

It's normal to feel worried, scared or helpless about the current situation. It’s OK to share your concerns with others you trust – and doing so may help them too.

If you can’t speak to someone, there are plenty of helplines you can try (please see grid below or check out the support service in the Live Well York Directory.

3. Support and help others

Helping someone else can benefit you as well as them. So try to understand others concerns, worries or how they’re behaving.

How could you help those around you? Who could you meet up with, or call or text?

If you would like to volunteer to help during the COVID-19 pandemic you can register on https://www.york.gov.uk/COVIDVolunteering .

4. Feel prepared

It can help you feel ready and less concerned if you work through what the current government guidelines mean for you: how will you be affected and what do you need to do?

It might help to talk with your employer about support, sick pay and benefits rights. More information is available on https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

5. Look after your body

Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns that end up making you feel worse.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking or drugs, and try not to drink too much alcohol.

Going for a walk or run, bike ride or 10-minute workout can help lift your mood and clear your mind.

Why not have a look at the options on the Live Well York Staying Physically Active page

6. Stick to the facts

Find a source you can trust – such as GOV.UK or the NHS website – and fact-check information you get.

You might want to limit the time you spend following news of the pandemic and turning off -news alerts on your phone.

You could set yourself a time to read updates or limit yourself to a couple of checks a day.

7. Stay on top of difficult feelings

Concern about the coronavirus outbreak is normal. However, some people may experience intense anxiety that can affect their daily life.

Try to focus on what you can control, like your behaviour, who you speak to, and where and how often you get information.

It's fine to acknowledge that some things are outside of your control, so try some ideas to help manage your anxiety or listen to an audio guide.

8. Do things you enjoy

Focusing on what you love to do, relaxing or connecting with others can help with anxious thoughts and feelings.

Can you do them following social distancing guidelines or you could adapt them, or try something new?

We recognise that there are significantly fewer opportunities to engage as there was and many community activities are closed. We have therfore developed a "COVID-19 Ready" filter for community activities on Live Well York to help you find what is available. Also do check out our community events calendar.

9. Focus on the present

Focusing on the present, rather than worrying about the future, can help with difficult emotions and improve our wellbeing.

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques can help some people deal with feelings of anxiety.

10. Look after your sleep

Good quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically.

Try to keep up regular sleeping patterns, avoid caffeine or screens before bed, and create a restful environment.

You can find a range of additional Health & Wellbeing pages on Live Well York. In addition here are some key contacts:

Last reviewed: 23/11/2020