Coronavirus and mental wellbeing
DISCLAIMER: This content was provided during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is currently being retained as a record of information that we shared but does not reflect existing guidance. Visit DHSC website.
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Everyone is concerned about coronavirus, and it can affect our mental health. For those who may already suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental health problems, the constant feed of information and news about coronavirus will be particularly overwhelming.
Useful sources of advice and information on managing your mental health.
Resources for the care sector§
Spotlight reports are part of the COVID-19: mental health and wellbeing surveillance report. The series describes variation and inequality in the population. The new Spotlight is one of a series:
- age
- gender
- ethnicity
- experience of people with pre-existing mental health conditions
- employment and income
- parents and carers
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan – 1 April 2021 – DHSC and Cabinet Office
Government’s plan to prevent, mitigate and respond to the mental health impacts of the pandemic during 2021 to 2022.
The objectives for COVID-19 recovery are:
- To support the general population to take action and look after their mental wellbeing
- To prevent the onset of mental health difficulties, by taking action to address the factors which play a crucial role in shaping mental health and wellbeing outcomes for adults and children
- To support services to continue to expand and transform to meet the needs of people who require specialist support
The plan also states: “We are also transforming the public health system in response to the lessons we have learned from COVID-19. Our reforms will place prevention of physical and mental ill health at the heart of government and embed health improvement expertise, capacity and accountability more widely and deeply across local and national government and the NHS.”
Wellbeing resources – 8 January 2020 – Skills for Care
With the added challenges and restrictions of the pandemic, workforce wellbeing has never been so important generally and at work. To make sure that people with care and support needs and their families receive good quality care, supporting the wellbeing of the workforce is a significant factor.
COVID-19 is having a huge impact on the mental wellbeing of people from ethnic minority communities. Skills for Care have put together some webinars and blogs where people have shared their experiences and the importance of supporting the mental wellbeing of people from ethnic minority communities, as well as what organisations should and can do to help their staff.
Wellbeing for registered managers: Go to the registered manager dedicated webpage to find details about Skills for Care’s advice line, Facebook Group, Registered Manager networks, WhatsApp groups and webinars.
Resources for employers§
Work-related stress and how to tackle it – Health and Safety Executive
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. This guide explains how employers can assess risk in the workplace and advises on the steps they can take to control any risks identified. It also includes information about supporting employees with mental health conditions.
Wellbeing for managers webinar recording – Skills for Care
This recorded webinar includes practical support to help registered managers look after themselves, to help them look after others.
Leading for wellbeing webinar recording – Skills for Care
This recorded webinar focuses on leading for wellbeing, with practical support and ideas to support teams with wellbeing.
Government guidance for anyone who works in adult social care. It provides advice on how you can manage your personal mental health in the current circumstances.
It also provides adult social care employers with guidance, tools and advice on how to take care of the wellbeing of staff at work.
Psychological effects of coronavirus: resources and tips – British Psychological Society
Guidance, tips and webinars on the psychological impact of coronavirus and how to deal with it.
Expert advice and practical tips to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Our Frontline: support for social care workers – Mental Health at Work
Our Frontline offers round-the-clock one-to-one support, along with a collection of resources, tips and ideas chosen to support care workers mental health during COVID-19 outbreak.
Text FRONTLINE to 85258 for a text conversation or call 116 123 for a phone conversation. Access their website for tips and resources.
Guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing – 29 March 2020 – Public Health England
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Managing our mental health during COVID-19 – 23 March 2020 – Association of Mental Health Providers
CPA member, the Association of Mental Health Providers, is collating information and tools to help people to manage their mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing – 29 March 2020 – Public Health England
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak – Mental Health Foundation
Practical advice and tips, such as maintaining contact with friends and family, even if you are in isolation; avoid speculation and rely on trusted sources of information; manage how you keep yourself updated.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing – Mind
Advice from Mind on managing your mental wellbeing – including how to prepare for staying at home or indoors.
Anxiety helpline and resources – 23 March 2020 - Anxiety UK
National charity Anxiety UK is extending its helpline hours. Tel 03444 775774. They also provide a range of resources and support, including webinars, to help people to deal with their anxiety.
Domestic abuse during COVID-19 outbreak #YouAreNotAlone campaign – 11 April 2020 – GOV.UK
Isolation rules do not apply for those suffering from domestic abuse. Police response and support services remain available. The #YouAreNotAlone social media campaign aims to raise awareness of the issue and the availability of support.
More information can be found on Twitter and on Facebook.
Employers may also wish to use the following generic information on mental wellbeing for their staff.
Thriving at work – mental wellbeing
Thriving at Work sets out what employers can do to better support all employees, including those with mental health problems to remain in and thrive through work. Includes Easy Read resources.
Mind, the UK charity, provides access to a wide range of resources to support mental health at work.
Led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, the organisation focuses on changing attitudes to mental health problems. They have a range of useful materials, including research in this area to help individuals and employers.
People Manager’s Guide to Mental Health (PDF)
This guide developed by Mind and the CIPD helps anyone involved in people management and includes information, templates and practical advice to help managers facilitate conversations about stress and mental health issues.
Resources for individuals§
Good Thinking has put together this guide for people working social care to help support their mental wellbeing. It includes practical tips, links to further support and a checklist video.
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated guidance in line with national restrictions commencing 5 November 2020.
Carers Wellbeing Guide – 20 October 2020 – Turning Point
A free Carers Wellbeing Guide, supporting carers to look after their own wellbeing during these difficult times. The Turning Point guide has been developed by their team of psychologists with advice on issues such as practising self-care, letting go of negative emotions including sadness or resentment and taking breaks to have a chance to rest. This guide is aimed at people caring for a friend or family member whether they are struggling with mental health issues, addiction or any other long-term conditions.
A section of the guide is also dedicated to planning for the future such as emergency planning and dealing with support workers as well as signposting carers to other sources of useful information such as Turning Point's digital guide on grieving.
Health and wellbeing support for those in social care – CARE
Resources to help social care staff to manage their own wellbeing while looking after others. The information has been provided by the Department of Health & Social Care and outlines specific support available to care workers.
Tips and advice to boost mental health
Mental health and wellbeing resources from the NHS.
Looking after your mental health
The Mental Health Foundation provides a wide range of resources to support individuals better manage their mental wellbeing.
The charity Mind offers useful resources to help individuals who experience mental ill-being to include anxiety and depression.
Led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, the organisation focuses on changing attitudes to mental health problems. They have a range of useful materials, including research in this area to help individuals and employers.
Mental wellbeing resources – Care Management Matters
Practical documents and tools collated by Care Management Matters including downloads that can support you to recognise the importance of your mental health, make it a priority, and options to incorporate small changes into your life to make things feel easier.
Facebook group: relaxation and mediation for key workers – 31 March 2020 – Relax with Lucy
This is a free group for key workers including mediation and relaxation techniques.
See all related information on coronavirus.