Mental health and COVID-19 have began to go side by side, as COVID-19 continues to leave a toll on our lives, with many countries around the world facing peaks in the number of cases. Healthcare workers are seeing changes in their mental health and these increased feelings could lead to a mental health diagnosis, but this will not be the case for everyone as personal growth is being seen and for some this does not leave them in a constant state of trauma.

COVID-19 also brings many politicians and people in power focusing their attention on mental health, possibly more than ever before. There has been changes such as, availability of mental health professionals for healthcare workers, support within working environments, monitoring staff wellbeing, and focusing on primary prevention and the lead up to changes in mental health.

A lot of different areas in our lives can cause affects to our mental health, areas such as:

• Home Life
• Living situations
• School
• Work
• The News
• Social Media platforms
• Relationships/Friendships

Following this, prisons have also seen an increase when it comes to mental health, up to 4,500 people who are said to be in a mental health crisis are held unlawfully by police. The reason being the lack of hospital beds from COVID-19. Although, a retired chief constable commented on how they had to hold people unlawfully to protect them and the public. Is this right? Mental health has always put consistent pressure on the criminal justice system which is why it is vital that access for support is available when people need it.

Sadly, this will continue to happen when people don't take COVID-19 seriously, believing it has gone when in fact it is quite the opposite. The shortage in beds around the world has led to many other people not getting the right attention for their specific health needs, though people may not need a bed for COVID-19, it may be needed for another major health condition. Thankfully, more and more people are starting to talk and raise awareness on this matter.

How can we support ourselves and others?

A lot of questions still surround COVID-19 leading people to get stuck in their own heads. Following with feelings of guilt and anxiety. With half of mental health disorders starting from the age of 14, it is vital that we can be kind to our minds.

Important things to remember:

• How much you have gone through and what you have overcome
• Remember to acknowledge your own feelings associated with covid-19
• Set boundaries
• Focus on what you can control
• Find ways that help you
• Connect with others and share similar experiences

What are some ways we can take care of our minds?

It is first important to note what wellbeing is and ways you can work towards a more positive outlook on life, all done by improving your wellbeing.

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is a state of mind where we are comfortable, it is used to talk about how we feel and what else is on our mind and going on in our lives. A bad mental wellbeing can lead our daily lives to become more challenging and often motivation to go about our days is lost. Wellbeing can also be affected by the media we consume so how can this be prevented?

Ways to prevent getting overwhelmed by the news

Staying informed with what's going on in the world is something most of us like to do. However, most of us become unaware of the impact that news consumption has on our mental health.

Tips to stay positive when reading the news:

• Alternate between news sources and find ones you like to listen to/read about. Don't just listen to the mainstream news. There are plenty of sites putting positive news out there.
• Talk about anything that you find upsetting, whether that is with a mental health professional or a friend. Talking about difficult subjects with someone you trust is key to a positive outlook.
• Turn notifications off if you must.
• Practice self-love and gratitude, there are many websites and videos that can help you with doing so.

We can also help our mental health and wellbeing by setting boundaries when they are needed.

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries can be a difficult and daunting process but it is very important. Here is how to do it and some ways to make it a little easier.

Talk about it openly with the person who it concerns, say what made you feel bad and set your boundary with ways that can make it easier for you. Acknowledge the emotions involved.

An example of this would be, Person A and Person B are having trouble communicating with each other. Person A asks a lot of questions and Person B gets overwhelmed by them. A boundary which can be set is Person B can express how they don't like the questions and to make sure Person A knows to stop asking so many.

Sometimes when setting a boundary or having one set, it can feel as if you are drifting apart with that person. However, a transition needs to happen for all to feel comfortable, it may take some time to get used to but just remember that boundaries are not set as a threat but because you're important enough in someone's life that they want to find a way to continue having you around but in a healthier way.

Boundaries are not only used between two or more people but also towards ourselves and what we partake in, such as the media we consume.

A step-by-step guide on setting a boundary:

1. Acknowledge what has happened, think about how it made you feel and what you experienced
2. Name your needs – to someone else or yourself, depending on the situation
3. Ask yourself what your desired outcome is
4. Think about who you're setting a boundary with (someone else or yourself)
5. Ask yourself what you'll do if the boundary is rejected or something happens for it to be broken
6. Communicate your boundary clearly
7. Maintain the boundary

Focus on what you can control

It is easy to feel out of control when seeing the affects COVID-19 has left. Which is why it's so important to notice and see how far you've come and what in your own lives is controllable.

Some things you can control are:

• Your diet
• How your room/house looks
• What media you consume
• What music you listen to
• Films you watch
• Where you go
• Activities you do.
• Who you spend your time with.

All of these are controllable things that can be altered at any time. An example of one is who you spend your time with. If you find yourself around someone who takes away your energy then at any time you get to decide whether to spend time with them or continue to be in their lives, especially if boundaries are being constantly broken.

Recognise own capabilities

There are always more ways to help others and ourselves then we realise. Whether that is helping the community or listening to a friend's day. Reflecting on your own capabilities can help boost self-esteem and well-being. It is important to reflect on what you can do rather than what you can't unless when trying to learn from mistakes and gain experience.

Understanding the lasting effects

In some way or another everyone will have a permanent mark from Covid-19. There can be seen a decline in happiness around the country and around the world ever since we were hit with the pandemic. As well as the lasting effects of having covid-19 there are also ones that stay present with our mental health. Such as, feelings of guilt, grief, and anxiety.

Screening tools

Online or paper resources that are designed to help determine if you are experiencing symptoms of certain mental health problems. There are a lot of websites that have dedicated sections for screening assessments. If worried about your mental health or your emotions seemed to have changed then you can easily get access to a screening test by simply searching 'mental health screening test online'

How are countries around the world supporting those with a mental health diagnosis?

There is in an increase in the amount countries are doing for those with challenges surrounding their mental health. However, it's not perfect. Yes, there are more and more ways for people to get access to support for their mental health. Yet nearly one billion people globally live with a mental health disorder, with a variety of different treatments varying from country to country, still people in low-income countries continue to face little to no support when it comes to their mental health. It is said that countries spend just 2% of their health budgets on mental health. The access to support couldn't be more needed as we face the lasting effects that COVID-19 has brought to the population. One of the ways forward is to continue spreading the message and supporting those who need it, only united together can we work towards better access for those struggling with their mental health around the world.

Ways to connect to people who have had similar experiences:

There are multiple ways to connect with others going through similar things.

• Download a mental health app, there are lots of options that can be downloaded for all ages that allow those struggling to share what's on their mind. E.g., Talklife
• Check for anything available in your local area.
• Send a message to someone who publicly talks about their experiences.

Sometimes it can be challenging to talk about experiences we have faced, that's why finding the appropriate help is so important, as well as sharing a similar experience with someone so you know you're not alone. However, it is not always possible and sometimes people aren't ready to speak about it.

Finally, Don't suffer in silence

It is so important as we continue to face the lasting affects of COVID-19 that we get the correct support when and if we need it. There is always information online that you can get access to, whether that's wanting to know your own symptoms after getting a diagnosis or supporting a loved one, the information is there.

Get more support HERE