top of page
Oliver Hodgson

Mental Health is a worry



Two mental health advocates are worried about the mental health crisis, which is feared to come post the Coronavirus pandemic. The advocates do remain positive and are here to offer their words and advice.


A model developed by the CentreForMentalHealth last Autumn found that around 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children in England alone will need support for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties in the coming months and years.


Wellbeing coach and licensed hypnotherapist Samantha Symons has seen an increased demand for mental health support, she said: “I've seen an increase in clients coming to me during lockdowns for support with their mental health. People from across all groups are affected, young and old. Sadly, there's a clear increase in people struggling with feelings of isolation and wanting help with how to manage that.


“It is really important to promote strategies and support for people, being tuned into technology can be useful if it is time-managed but it can also be harmful to mental health if constant negativity is coming in.”


Nic Hewitt, an open mental health advocate from Workington who struggles with her mental health and was diagnosed with Bipolar Type II in her teens and Borderline Personality Disorder in her twenties said: “Working within the health and wellbeing sector we have seen a huge increase in new customers reaching out for products to support their mental health and well-being.


“I talk openly about my struggles with regards to mental health and I think because of that my friends, family and customers feel that they can reach out for help and advice, most of the time I can point them in the direction of their own GP or local services. With the waves of the pandemic taking, its toll on people, waiting lists for local services are getting longer as more and more people look for support.


“Within my health and wellbeing company we are looking at how we can play our part and offer safe spaces within our new premises, we're looking at workshops and support evenings too.”


Nic and Samantha recognise that the country must ‘unite’ to beat Coronavirus and they say that protecting our families and the vulnerable is equally as important as supporting people’s mental health.


Samantha added her top tips and advice: “I always stress to people to find ways to connect with others face to face through walking, video calls or phone calls, use support bubbles, write letters to friends, share photos, to name a few. It's important to interact without talking about the elephant in the room (Covid) all the time! Planning your day, the previous night so you feel more control in your life really helps, even though it might be small things like what meals to cook, taking fresh air and engaging in mindful hobbies. Comparing yourself to other people is not useful either as most people don't openly display their struggles.”


Should anyone be feeling low or in need of someone to speak to on this Blue Monday or any other day you can contact any of the following charities for support:

Samaritans: 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org

Papyrus UK: 0800 068 41 41 or pat@papyrus-uk.org

45 views0 comments

Commentaires


bottom of page