Individuals with existing mental health problems such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Health Anxiety, OCD and Depression are likely to experience an exacerbation of their symptoms, and individuals who do not normally experience mental health difficulties are also likely to feel more anxious, worried and low in mood during this time.
What Can You Do To Manage Your Mental Health During This Crisis?
- Do you notice that you feel more anxious and panicky after engaging in particular activities, such as watching the news, scrolling social media or searching the internet? If so, try limit your exposure to a set period of time, at the same time each day. For example, do not watch the news for more than 30 minutes each afternoon, and avoid engaging in these anxiety inducing activities around bedtime or when waking during the night.
- Try to AVOID SPECULATION and SENSATIONALISM, which contributes to anxiety in both yourself and in others. Try to only obtain your information from official sources such as www.gov.uk and www.NHS.UK
- In response to the advice around social distancing, it is very important that you find effective ways of staying both SAFE AND CONNECTED. Isolation is a major risk factor for people with mental health conditions, and so a meaningful opportunity for connection should ideally be found each day. The Samaritans offer support 24 hours a day. You can email them on jo@samaritans.org.uk or call 116 123 - it's FREE.
The Fitzrovia Clinic will continue to make arrangements to provide therapy for current patients wherever possible. We also offer a secure Telemedicine Service which is accessible for both new and existing clients. If you would like to speak to us for more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.