If you are feeling anxious or low in mood

Feeling anxious or low in mood are natural responses to uncertainty. You can reduce these by:

Using distraction

• Listen to music/Watch TV
• Read or play a game/instrument
• Cook/bake
• Exercise/ or go for a walk
• Do household chores

Doing something relaxing

• Reminisce about past events
• Take deep breaths
• Pray or meditate

Monitoring your thoughts

• Limit access to news
• Limit time spent worrying
• Think of the things that you’re grateful for
• Consider the things that you still enjoy doing
• Find a routine that works for you

Connecting with others

• Speak to your loved ones
• Keep in touch with videocalls
• Schedule indoor activities with members of the household

If you are struggling with self-isolation or have difficulty coping with the lockdown

See self-help materials and resources listed on www.copingwithcoronavirus.co.uk

This website has information on a range of issues including:

• Managing anxiety during the pandemic
• Self care during social distancing
• Practicing self-compassion in isolation
• Managing loneliness and isolation
• Setting values based goals while in self isolation
• Limiting worry
• Managing mood with activity scheduling
• Staying on top of sleep
• Being ready for the worst days
• Using mindful breathing exercise

The website also has information on how to:

• Speak to someone if you are struggling to cope
• Access digital self help programmes
• Support children if you are a parent

If you are worried about a loved one with COVID-19 in hospital

• Speak to ward staff about best method of communicating with your relative
• Speak to PALS in the hospital if you have any queries
• Make time and look after yourself

If you want to speak to someone for emotional support

• Call Samaritans on 116 123
• Call the Support Line on 01708 8765 200

For tips on managing specific mental health symptoms

See: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression

If your mental health deteriorates

• Contact your GP or 111 for further advice
• Call 999 or contact NELFT Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000 if you feel unsafe

It is common for people with neurological conditions to experience physical, sensory, cognitive, and/or mood problems. Fatigue is also very common, which may reduce your motivation to do things.

Below are some tips that can help you:

• Schedule activities in advance
• Use a calendar or weekly planner
• Use prompts and reminders to remember tasks
• Limit the amount of time you spend doing things to reduce loss of concentration

Anxiety is a normal response to uncertainty. Self-isolation can be challenging. Below are some tips and resources to support you:

Distract yourself with

• Music
• TV
• Audiobooks
• Podcasts 
• Books
• Doing hobbies

Breathe

• Sit up straight with your feet on the floor
• Take a deep, slow breath in through your nose
• Slowly breathe out through your mouth
• Try to make the out breath longer than the in breath
• Repeat for a few minutes

Keep things simple

• Limit access to news
• Create a “calm spot” in your home and go there when you feel overwhelmed

Remember the positives

• Think of things that are important to you
• Remember the things that you are grateful for
• Remember the things you still enjoy doing
• Be kind to yourself

Look after your general well-being

• Structure your day
• Stick to a routine
• Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
• Eat well
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Keep moving and stay physically active if you can
• Keep in contact with friends and family by phone and/or video calls

For emotional support

Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Support Line on 01708 8765 200.

If your mental health deteriorates

Please contact your GP or 111.

If you feel unsafe

Please call 999 or contact NELFT Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000.

Further resources

ww.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ 

www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression

www.copingwithcoronavirus.co.uk

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing

 

The Covid-19 pandemic is stressful for most of us and dealing with the uncertainties caused by it can be anxiety provoking and upsetting. Below are a list of strategies and resources available that can be used to maintain psychological wellbeing during this period, for both you and your relative with a neurological condition. Individuals with neurological conditions who usually require support in managing any cognitive, sensory, or motor difficulties may require additional help from those around them in implementing some of these strategies.

To manage anxiety or low mood: Use distraction:

• Listen to music/Watch TV
• Do something that you enjoy
• Exercise/ or go for a walk

Do something relaxing

• Reminisce about past events
• Take deep breaths
• Pray or meditate

Monitor your thoughts

• Limit access to news
• Limit time spent worrying
• Consider the things that you still enjoy doing

Connect with others

• Speak to someone about any difficulties
• Keep in touch with family and friends
• Seek help from loved ones
• Schedule activities with members of your household

If your relative is feeling overwhelmed

• Help them create a routine
• Create a “calm spot” that they could retrieve to when things get too much
• Help them to avoid access too much information
• Help them make a list of things they are struggling with, and then problem solve together

If you or your relative is struggling with self-isolation or experience difficulty coping with the lockdown

• Make a list of your values and think of things you can still do relating to these values
• Consider the things that you still enjoy doing
• Think of the things that you are grateful for
• Keep in touch with loved ones
• Be kind to yourself

For more ideas, see self-help materials and resources listed on www.copingwithcoronavirus.co.uk.

For emotional support

• Call the Samaritans on 116 123
• Call the Support Line on 01708 8765 200

For tips on specific mental health symptoms

See: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression

If your mental health deteriorates

• Contact your GP or 111 for further advice
• Call 999 or contact NELFT Mental Health Direct on 0300 555 1000 if you feel unsafe