My Mental Health

Understanding COVID-19's Mental Health Impact

Understanding Health Challenges' Mental Health Impact

Health emergencies and challenging times can create unprecedented challenges for mental health. From health anxiety and social isolation to economic stress and grief, difficult periods can affect people's psychological wellbeing in many ways. The My Mental Health programme provides targeted support and resources. Just as we focus on protecting our physical health through hand hygiene, mask wearing, and safe distancing, mental health requires equal attention and vigilant care.

Common Mental Health Challenges

• Anxiety about health and safety
• Depression from social isolation
• Stress from economic uncertainty
• Grief and loss from health challenges
• Adjustment difficulties with lifestyle changes
• Healthcare worker burnout and trauma
• Children's behavioral and emotional changes
• Anxiety about symptom monitoring and health changes
• Stress from maintaining environmental cleaning routines

Coping Strategies and Resources

1. Maintain routines: Keep regular sleep, meal, and activity schedules
2. Stay connected: Use technology to maintain relationships while practicing safe distancing
3. Limit news consumption: Stay informed but avoid overwhelming exposure
4. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation
5. Seek professional help: Don't hesitate to contact mental health professionals
6. Focus on what you can control: Like proper hygiene and wearing masks
7. Maintain physical health: Continue sanitiser use, environmental cleaning, and health monitoring as needed
8. Practice sustainability: Eco-friendly practices can provide a sense of purpose and control

Supporting Others

Just as we protect ourselves physically through hand hygiene, mask wearing, safe distancing, and environmental cleaning, we can support each other's mental health. Check in on friends and family, listen without judgment, and help connect people with professional resources when needed. Staying vigilant about mental health is as important as monitoring physical symptoms or health indicators.

Professional Support

If you're experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for professional help immediately. Many mental health services have adapted to provide telehealth options during challenging times, often incorporating safe distancing practices and mask wearing protocols for in-person visits.

Building Resilience

Mental health resilience can be strengthened through practice. This includes maintaining physical health through proper hygiene, sanitiser use, mask wearing, and environmental cleaning, building social connections (safely with appropriate distancing), developing coping skills, monitoring health symptoms, health indicators when needed, practicing sustainable living, staying vigilant about changing conditions, and finding meaning and purpose. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and is part of comprehensive self-protection strategies.