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Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

We can do this together. Mental health and wellbeing, Kent Together

We understand that COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created uncertainty and anxiety, the constant news can feel overwhelming.

This anxiety is natural, and we are all feeling it. Fortunately, there are things that we can do to protect our mental health and to support the wellbeing of our friends and family.

Here you'll find suggestions that can help your wellbeing as well as children and young people's wellbeing. There are local activities, inspiration and a handy list of resources and services to get you started.

If you need help now, find out how to access urgent support.

Coronavirus and wellbeing

As part of the Every Mind Matters campaign, the NHS and Public Health England have some useful tips and guides to help us look after ourselves and our families:

Other, more general, information and support is available from:

With so much change and uncertainty around at the moment it is understandable that you may be feeling a little worried, low, or stressed. These are normal responses to what is, for many, a difficult situation. However, if you are troubled by constant, repetitive thoughts which lead you to feel anxious or overwhelmed, some extra support might be helpful.

If you are worried about your child and need to get help now call 0800 783 9111 to get the right support.

We need to be honest with children and young people about the situation, but also be sensitive not to worry them too much and be aware that children and young people of different ages may need different support.

Here are a few guides that may help.

If your child is looking for somewhere to get information for themselves there are some places you could suggest to them:

  • the Moodspark website is for young people aged 10 to 16 to learn to look after their emotional and mental health
  • ThinkNinja is the first mental health app approved by the NHS to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic, and is now listed in the NHS apps library. It is available for 10 to 18 year olds
  • Togetherall is available for 16 to 18 year olds with an online community filled with resources, information and online counselling
  • Kooth is for young people 10 to 16 to get advice, information and can also chat to a qualified counsellor
  • Kent Youth Health have advice and information for young people dealing with their emotions during this time
  • many youth services have been moved online, including opportunities for you to talk to youth workers and friends, as well as lots of new activities for you to try.

It's important to stay active if you can. There are lots of ways you can do this.

If you feel worried, anxious or low, you might stop doing things you usually enjoy. Focusing on your favourite hobby, relaxing indoors or connecting with others can help with anxious thoughts and feelings.

If you cannot do the things you normally enjoy, think about how you could adapt them, or try something new. There are lots of free tutorials and courses online, and people are coming up with inventive new ways to do things, like hosting online pub quizzes and music concerts.

Find a credible source you can trust and fact-check information you get from newsfeeds, social media or other people, such as:

We recommend you follow these social media accounts:

Many people will have questions and worries about the coronavirus, but those who have experienced the death of someone close or who have an ill family member will be particularly affected.

A new bereavement support service has been established for Kent children and young people, and their parents or carers, who experience complicated grief as a result of Covid-19. This support is currently being offered by video link, phone or in person. To access this support or find out more about the children and young people's counselling service go to the KCHFT website.

The following information could also help if you or someone you know has lost a loved one or is dying.

There is also bereavement support information for parents and carers, co-created by parent experts by experience with a professional author.

Release the Pressure

We have a highly trained and experienced team at Release the Pressure, available 24/7 to provide free, expert support no matter what you are going through.

If you feel you need help now call 0800 107 0160 or text the word “Kent” to 85258.

Other places you can get urgent support

If you feel unable to cope, or keep yourself safe, and cannot wait to see a doctor, it's important to get mental health support straight away.

Visit the KMPT website for mental health support or call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111.

There are a range of national charities who can provide advice and support during these tough times.

Domestic abuse support

Support is still here if you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of domestic violence and abuse, there are local and national support services to help you. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 999.

Wellbeing of vulnerable people

If you are a vulnerable person and need urgent support with day to day life throughout the pandemic such as purchasing groceries, walking your dog and picking up prescriptions you can apply for support from Kent Together.

Share your story with Healthwatch Kent

It's really important we hear how people are coping right now. Healthwatch Kent is an independent organisation that champions the views of patients and social care users across Kent.

Share your feedback about mental health services. Whatever your experiences, challenges or concerns are, we want to hear about them.

Take the Healthwatch Kent survey.