Tips to look after your mental health
Tip #1: Keep active
Tip #1: Keep active
Tip #2: Make a plan
Tip #2: Make a plan
Tip #3: Stay in touch
Tip #3: Stay in touch
Tip #4: Keep a routine
Tip #4: Keep a routine
Tip #5: Turn off the news
Tip #5: Turn off the news
Tip #6: Cut yourself some slack
Tip #6: Cut yourself some slack
Tip #7: Do the things you enjoy
Tip #7: Do the things you enjoy
Dealing with negative thoughts
The way we think affects the way we feel, so negative thoughts can make us feel bad. No one wants to think negative thoughts. The trouble is, they tend to pop into our heads of their own accord! Sometimes, you can acknowledge the thought and then dismiss it. But sometimes, worrying thoughts get stuck. Here are some tips for getting rid of them:
Tips for dealing with negative thoughts
Tip #1: Challenge your thoughts
Tip #1: Challenge your thoughts
Tip #2: Look at it from another point of view
Tip #2: Look at it from another point of view
Tip #3: Practice looking for the positives
Tip #3: Practice looking for the positives
Tip #4: Think about the things you can control
Tip #4: Think about the things you can control
Tip #5: Talk to a friend
Tip #5: Talk to a friend
Tip #6: Take time out
Tip #6: Take time out
Tip #7: Distract yourself
Tip #7: Distract yourself
Find support
It is important to remember that support is still available at this time. You can still contact your GP if you are finding things difficult at the moment (by phone if you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19). NHS Inform has resources to help you keep on top of your mental health, so does the SAMH website. You can also call Breathing Space, Scotland’s national helpline for those experiencing depression or anxiety on 0800 83 85 87. Alternately you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time to talk to them about how you are feeling.
You can find more advice on coping with parenting during the coronavirus outbreak at the Spark website. The anxiety self-help guide from NHS Inform may also help.
Working away from home?
If you're separated from your family at the moment, perhaps because you're working away from home, you may be finding things hard. Here are some tried and tested tips from the experience of Royal Navy and Royal Marines families which may help you to navigate this time of separation.
Family Support Directory
Find more support for your family's mental health from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.