By James Simons
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have launched a campaign to support new Every Mind Matters advice in aid of looking after mental well being.
The campaign follows conducted research that over 4 in 5 adults are worried about the effect that coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on their life right now, with more than half saying it affected their well being and nearly half reporting high levels of anxiety.
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have narrated a powerful new film in support of the campaign and to encourage people to look after their mental and physical well being.
Every Mind Matters campaign will be supported through social media, digital, national TV and partner support activity, helping to reach the audiences most at-risk of poor mental healthResearch data shows that more than 4 in 5 (84.2%) Brits are worried about the effect that coronavirus is having on their life, with over half (53.1%) saying it was affecting their wellbeing and nearly half (46.9%) reporting high levels of anxiety.
With many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times, Every Mind Matters seeks to provide therapy for the public by highlighting the many things that can be done to address our mental well being and help others to prevent these concerns from becoming more serious.
A representative of Every Mind Matters told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”The essence of this campaign is to let the pubic know that we are all in this together and the concerns about the mass disruptions to their lives are shared. A number of tips are aimed at helping people cope with some of the mental challenges they may face. For example, exercising, jogging, listening to music, reading, are all important tips before doing anything else that could negatively affect your mind.
Sleeping well,video chats like face timing with friends, families and colleagues, are all positive ways of keeping your mind healthy in these challenging times. Also, for carers or parents of children, listening to your child’s emotional cues and responding calmly and sensitively to them in these times are very important.
Resources
The range of new resources, designed specifically to help manage our mental well being during coronavirus, include a tailored COVID-19 Mind Plan, COVID-19 specific content for individuals and their loved ones, and support for specific mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping. The website signposts people to activities such as mindful breathing exercises, help reframing unhelpful thoughts and muscle relaxation.
Everyone in the country has been affected by COVID-19 in some way, be it through staying at home and being separated from friends and family, uncertainty about work or education or knowing someone with the virus. The film portrays a range of people whose lives have been affected by COVID-19. It aims to reassure people that support is available and encourages everyone to take care of their mental wellbeing at this difficult time.
Endorsed Nhs Content
The NHS-endorsed content has been developed in partnership with clinicians, academics and leading mental health charities and social enterprises including Mind, Mental Health Foundation, Samaritans, Rethink, Mental Health First Aid England, the Royal Foundation, the Centre for Mental Health, Time to Change, NSUN and What Works Well being. It offers authoritative, evidence-based and practical support to the general public, as well as people with specific mental health concerns.Professor Paul Cosford, Emeritus Medical Director at Public Health England, said:
During the coronavirus outbreak, it is natural for all of us to feel worried or anxious, but there are things we can all do to help ourselves and others, to prevent these feelings from becoming more serious. Every Mind Matters offers NHS-endorsed guidance on the simple things we can do to maintain good mental well being.
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, said:
”We have asked people to make unprecedented changes to their day-to-day lives as part of our national effort to respond to this global pandemic. Staying at home and not seeing friends and loved ones can take its toll and it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or anxious.
It’s vital that we all look after our mental health in these challenging times, so today we are launching new guidance on the NHS Every Mind Matters website, which is tailored to help people deal with this outbreak through practical tips and advice.
Whether it’s through exercise, keeping to a routine or trying something new – there is so much we can do to keep our minds healthy and prevent issues becoming more serious – and I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of this brilliant resource.
Nadine Dorries, Minister for Mental Health, said:
”I know how scary a time this must be for many. We are all feeling something over coronavirus – anxiety, fear of the unknown or even just frustration at not being in control. It’s easy to forget that this is an unprecedented situation that is both physically and mentally draining.
The new guidance that has been launched on the NHS Every Mind Matters website has been adapted, providing top tips for maintaining our mental wellbeing. We must all remember during these challenging times that while we are practicing social distancing for the physical health of ourselves and others, there is help out there to make sure we are taking care of ourselves mentally.
Claire Murdoch, National Director for Mental Health at NHS England and Improvement, said:
”At a time when as a country we face significant uncertainty, which can be worrying and stressful, it has never been more important to keep well and look after our mental health.
While we stay indoors to protect our loved ones and save lives, we must also think about ourselves and how we can protect our mental wellbeing, which is why I am pleased Every Mind Matters reflects current pressures and am encouraging everyone who needs it to visit the website, which includes advice on dealing with stress and anxiety.
The campaign is backed by NHS psychiatrist Dr Max Pemberton who has shared his top tips for supporting mental well being at this current time, including advice on managing your sleep and trying to stay positive.
Image: Royal correspondent.com