Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
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Advice for taking care of your mental health

Feelings about Covid-19 restrictions easing

This information is designed to help people to adopt a healthier lifestyle through taking some simple steps. It includes why changes should be made and the support available to help achieve it. Here we are looking at feelings about Covid-19 restrictions easing.

Covid-19 and the lockdowns have been very difficult and has brought many challenges for people. With restrictions now easing you may not feel entirely positive about the changes. These feelings could change on a daily basis but it's important to remember that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to feel about restrictions easing. These feelings will be shaped by your Covid-19 experience and challenges you have faced as well as how the situation has affected you and your loved ones.

You might feel:

  • Anxious or scared that the risk may increase for you or your family – such as returning to the workplace and school
  • Angry – feeling that other people are not following social distancing
  • Resentful – others may have more freedom than you or access to childcare
  • Stressed - about the future and finances
  • Unprepared – not feeling ready for restrictions to end and you may want to stay in your old routine
  • Under pressure – to adapt back to a different routine such as sending children to school 

What could help?

  • Talk about your feelings – open up to trusted friends or family.  It isn’t a sign of weakness to talk about your feelings; it’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing
  • Talk to your line manager and colleagues about how you are feeling
  • Keep active - exercise can lift your mood and be an outlet for stress, help you sleep and feel better. Walking, gardening and housework can keep you active
  • Stay hydrated - water is important for mental health – it may help to set an alarm to remind you to drink more water throughout the day. Alcohol dehydrates and is a depressant so drink in moderation
  • Be creative - read a book, listen to music, play a game, draw or paint
  • Take a break and relax - learn relaxing breathing techniques or go for a walk. Give yourself space to think, rest and play
  • Connect with nature - get as much sunlight and fresh air as you can as this can have huge benefits on your mood and reduce stress levels. This could be by spending time in your garden or opening your windows.

Further information:

If you are concerned about your thoughts and feelings Mental Health Matters (mhm.org.uk) offer support services in Hinckley and Bosworth. They normally offer a 12-week community based mental health support but at the present time are offering free telephone support. People can self refer to this service on 0300 323 0189 or email leicestershireandrutlandmhm@nhs.net. There is also a 24/7 free helpline service for people to call if feeling they need to chat with someone on 0300 323 0187.

If you are worried about your own mental health or someone’s you care about and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, please talk to your GP.

For further help and support visit (startaconversation.co.uk) or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org

Last updated: 14/03/2022 10:11