For young children spending time with their family can be a welcome opportunity but for many older children and teenagers, missing out on opportunities for spending time with friends can be a challenge. A prolonged period of quarantine can also result in many children and young people feeling isolated, alone, uncertain of the future and missing their normal daily routines. It is really important that we all do our best to stay connected and take care of ourselves during this time. One of the ways you can help yourself to keep well is to continue to make connections with friends using social media and on-line forums. However, it is also important to get the balance between this and other activities that take care of your mental health such as creative activities like baking or participating in some physical exercise. You could also use this time to take up new or interesting activities you have never tried before or spend time doing fun things with your family.
It is also important that you acknowledge any negative feelings such as anxiety or distress during this time. shows that when we ignore negative feelings, they often last longer or have more impact. We often think that hiding feelings will make them go away but this can lead in the longer term to difficulties with both mental and physical health. Acknowledging and sharing these can help. You can think about talking to your family or friends about these or even keep a diary either digitally or on paper.
If you are anxious about Coronavirus (COVID-19) a number of organisations have prepared materials that can support your Mental Health and Wellbeing during this difficult time.
1. Young Scot https://young.scot/
Young Scot has produced a wealth of practical information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. They have included a section on looking after your Mental Wellbeing and a very useful Jargon Buster. They also have provided information targeted at Young Carers.
The website is updated daily and is definitely worth checking in with regularly.
2. Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/
Young Minds are a UK wide charity whose mission is to encourage Young Minds to feel empowered and supported. They have developed a section of their website which has advice if you are feeling anxious, concerned or stressed about Coronavirus (COVID -19). This is also regularly updated so is worth checking in often.
3. Anna Freud https://www.annafreud.org/
The Anna Freud charity have been working for over 60 years to pioneer supports for positive Mental Health. The website has a section focussing on supporting children and families through this period of disruption. This is suitable for adults, children and young people.
4. Every Mind Matters https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
NHs website with great advice for keeping yourself well while staying at home. It also provides 10 Top Tips and strategies to support concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is suitable for adults, children and young people.
5. Stem4 https://stem4.org.uk/
Stem 4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in teenagers as well as encouraging ways to build resilience and manage difficult emotions. Resources are downloadable.
6. CBBC Newsround https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround
The CBBC have created a section to help answer difficult questions and allay anxieties about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
7. Scottish Association for Mental Health
SAMH have created an online hub for mental health and Covid19, which collates useful information from across the internet for those seeking to gain information to help protect their mental health and wellbeing during these ongoing difficult times. The information is suitable for children and adults alike.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran have compiled a selection of verified apps and websites to support general Mental Health and Wellbeing in Young people.
8. Safe Hands ThinkingMinds
Some useful activities and resources available here
http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/
9. Penumbra – Responding to Change
This document provides useful advice for Children and Young People at this time. Penumbra are a national organisation specialising in mental Health support.
http://www.penumbra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/respoding-to-cjange.pdf
10. Mental Health Foundation
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus
