Coronavirus
Looking after your mental wellbeing
We are living through a difficult time and it is more important than ever to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
How are you feeling? Have you thought about the things you could do to stay well?
Like better handwashing to protect your physical health, there are things you can do to protect your mental wellbeing.
There are also people you can talk to by phone or online if you need to.
Are you a young person looking for advice? Take a look at our page for children and young people.
It's important to look after yourself and the way you feel
Read more about mental wellbeing
There are lots of things you can do to improve your wellbeing
Find tips for looking after your wellbeing
There are services out there to support you and others you may be worried about
Find the support you need
Why is my mental wellbeing important?
We are living through a difficult time and it is more important than ever to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
We are all feeling lots of strong emotions such as grief, anxiety, fear, anger, love, pride and sadness. Some of these feelings might be hard to explain or name. They may come and go in waves.
You may be feeling worried about family and friends, stressed over finances, or anxious about catching coronavirus.
It is ok that we have these feelings, as things are different and uncertain - so try not to judge yourself on how you are feeling.
These feelings may make us feel tired, you may react differently, and you may find it hard to concentrate or remember things.
- Taking care of your mental health is very important. Just like better handwashing to protect your physical health, there are things you can do to protect your mental health.
- If you look after your mental health, your body will benefit, too. Taking steps to care for your mental health will help you feel better.
- Remember that by showing yourself some care, you will be better able to care for others at home, in work and in your community.
How to look after your mental wellbeing
There are many ways to look after your mental wellbeing. What will work best for you?
Keeping CALM ֠because you matter
Using CALM may help you to take care of your feelings, your body, your thoughts and what you are doing.
- Calming Activities - relaxation, seeking reassurance and mindfulness practices
- Attending to basic needs - thinking carefully about your sleep, exercise, nutrition
- Learning to re-think - avoiding rumours, limiting media coverage, thinking in the here and now
- Making yourself feel good - doing things that bring you joy and take your mind off your worries
Find more helpful advice and tips on the Public Health Wales Ѽa href="https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/how-are-you-doing/how-are-you-feeling/how-to-look-after-your-mental-wellbeing/" target=new>How are you doing?Ҡwebsite.
Here are some links to online resources you may find helpful:
Information on how to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak. Includes tips on general mental health and wellbeing, employers and employees, and looking after yourself while staying at home.
Information on coronavirus and your wellbeing. Includes tips on planning for staying at home and taking care of your mental health and wellbeing.
How to access support
There are services to support you and others you may be worried about. Talking about your worries and problems can make things easier.
Speak to someone if you're not okay
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The C.A.L.L. Helpline
A dedicated mental health helpline for Wales, it can provide you with confidential listening and emotional support, and help you contact support that may be available in your local area. Call 0800 132 737 or text 'help' to 81066. -
Mind Cymru Infoline
For information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, medication, alternative treatments and advocacy. Call 0300 123 3393, email info@mind.org.uk or text 86463. -
Samaritans Cymru
Offering a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way - about whatever's getting to you. Call for free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org -
PAPYRUS
Young suicide prevention society. HOPELINEUK 0800 068 4141 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 10pm, and 2pm to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays). -
MEIC
Support for children and young people up to 25 years old open 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. You can contact them for free by phone 080880 23456, text 84001 and instant messaging on their website -
Hafal's Promise
Hafal’s Promise is a pledge to every person in Hafal’s client group in Wales – including those with a mental illness, carers and anyone whose mental health is being affected by coronavirus – to provide friendly lasting contact via email, phone, an online community, membership or social media. For more information visit www.hafal.org/promise or call 01792 816600. -
Clic
Clic is an online community for people affected by mental health problems and their carers which provides a safe and positive space to start discussions, share interests, get information and make friends. Join the conversation at: hafalclic.org. -
Citizens Advice
Provides advice on financial support and can signpost you to other agencies who may be able to help you - 03444 77 20 20 (9am to 5pm, Mon - Fri).
Latest information on COVID 19
Always remember to access reliable sources of information:
This information has been collated as part of the work being led by the Covid 19 - Mental Health Incident Group in Wales. The material is being quality assured through these arrangements. This includes calling on expert advice from a panel of experts, clinicians and the voluntary sector where necessary. All material and links provided on the website site have been subject to these arrangements.