It is very important that everyone looks after their mental health and feels supported in doing so during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been a very challenging time for everyone with peoples’ lives being significantly impacted in various different ways, like having to work from home or perhaps losing employment, moving to remote learning, or being directly affected by the virus.

There are many different resources that can help you or someone you know who is struggling during this difficult and uncertain time. We have compiled some resources below that you should find useful:

CBT resource: Managing stress and worry during the COVID-19 outbreak

Headspace: Free Meditations

Living Life to the Full: Advice for Adults, Young People and Parents, and Health Workers

Mind: Coronavirus and your Wellbeing

Oxford Health Coronavirus information leaflets covering:

• Depression
• Recovering from trauma
• Bereavement
• Coping with worries and uncertainty

Oxford Mindfulness Centre: Free weekly online sessions

Psychology Tools: Living with Worry and Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty

Recovery College Online: Coping During the Pandemic

York and Selby IAPT

• IAPT is a national NHS programme designed to increase the availability of talking therapy treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
• Significant events like bereavement, unemployment, relationship breakdown, traumatic events or even stress at work can lead to difficulties requiring help and support. Problems with low mood and anxiety can develop and make it difficult for us to cope with life’s daily demands.
• To make sure that the IAPT service is right for you, you will need to complete a self-referral form. You can self-refer here or by telephone Monday-Friday 9am-5pm on 01904 556840. Assessments are undertaken over the phone, although alternative arrangements can be made if required. At the end of the assessment, we will discuss what help is available within the service.
• Where IAPT is not the most suitable service we can signpost you to alternatives where available.
• Click here for more information about the York and Selby IAPT service
• A leaflet outlining the IAPT service is available here

Mental Health Crisis information

If someone is going through a mental health crisis and is at risk of serious harm they (or the person they are with) should immediately call 999.

If someone needs to talk to about how you are feeling or how to deal with someone else’s behaviour at any time of day, the Samaritans offer a 24-hour confidential telephone helpline and can be contacted on 116 123.