BAPAM GP Dr Tamara Karni Cohen has put together a list of resources on how to protect and look after yours and others’ mental health during this pandemic. These resources include apps and website from the UK as well as further afield.
https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/coronavirus-anxiety-resources
2. Premium access to Sanvello is now free for everyone — Download the app to find all of the self-care features completely unlocked. It includes Mindfulness and CBT amongst other things and for the next 3 months, there is full access to the app.
3. Useful apps via the NHS website – UK based but some apps can be used by anyone, please be aware that for some they require you to be entitled to NHS services in the UK.
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/
4. Online CBT, free to register
5. Developing resilience
6. Anxiety UK has phone lines to support people with anxiety related to COVID-19 and also with worsening anxiety. Great videos on how to manage anxiety (even if you all cannot use the phone lines, the videos will be helpful, although they are in English). It also includes a free subscription to Headspace – this is an app that has been used in the UK and Australia to management mild symptoms.
7. American resources for how to manage Covid19 anxiety
8. Melbourne University (Australia based) – a guide to managing stress due to COVID 19
9. American resources, How to manage stress from COVID 19, for health workers and the publichttps://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/index.asp
10. American resources, how to manage during a lockdown
11. Talking to children about COVID 19 – American resource from the national association of school psychologists.
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
12. Canadian resources for mental health and COVID 19
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/covid-19-and-anxiety
13. Downloadable Apps: If you have a smartphone
- Calm
- Relaxmind
- Relax lite (helpful breathing exercises)
- Headspace
- Waking up
14. Home-based exercises – British Medical Journal and NHS UK resources
British Lung Foundation has exercises for those people with Pulmonary conditions and also how to manage breathlessness without medication.
15. Staying at home, looking after your mental health whilst at home.https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
16. The ten-minute work out from NHS UK
17. For young people and young adultsYoungMinds Crisis Messenger
- Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis – just text YM to 85258
- All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors
- Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus
No Panic are the people to call if you are suffering from panic attacks, OCD, phobias, and other related anxiety disorders
- Helpline: 0844 967 4848 (Daily 10am – 10pm; charges apply)
- Youth helpline for 13 – 20 yr olds: 0330 606 1174 (Mon – Fri 3 pm – 6 pm; charges apply)
- Having a panic attack? Crisis number with a recording of a breathing technique: 01952 680835 (24 hr)
- Email: admin@nopanic.org.uk
Childline
- http://www.childline.org.uk
- Under 19s can confidentially call, email or chat online about any problem big or small
- Freephone 24h helpline: 0800 1111
- Sign up for a childline account on the website to be able to message a counsellor anytime without using your email address
- Chat 1:1 with an online advisor
The Mix
- www.themix.org.uk
- Under 25s can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or on their webchat. You can also use their phone counselling service, or get more information on support services you might need.
- Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (1pm – 11pm daily)