Feeling overwhelmed, angry or concerned about the 2021 lockdown restrictions?
There is no right or wrong way to feel about the pandemic and the impact it has on us, whether it is affecting us physically, emotionally, financially, or a combination of all three. If you are feeling angrier than usual, you’re not alone. Feeling angry about COVID is natural, but if it’s affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help:
- Recognising feelings and being aware of your responses and reactions to things is a good starting point.
- Talking to a friend, family member or health professional about how you feel.
- Getting started with exercise.
- Listen to free wellbeing and calming apps.
Managing stress, advice from the NHS
Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic
Recent research from the Mental Health Foundation has revealed how UK adults are managing their stress during the pandemic. More than eight in ten (82 per cent) of UK adults have experienced stress because of the pandemic. However the findings also highlight factors that can help prevent mental health problems and were published in the week of World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10th October 2020). These include walking, visting green spaces and connecting with friends and family by phone, video chat, etc.
“The good news here is that at a very difficult time for many of us, millions of people across the UK are using effective ways to improve their wellbeing.
Dr Antonis Kousoulis, the Foundation’s Director for England and Wales
good mental health for all
The Mental Health Foundation
Coping with the pandemic
Inequality and mental health
A survey of over 14,000 adults by the mental health charity Mind has revealed that existing inequalities in housing, employment, finances and other issues have had a greater impact on the mental health of people from different Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) groups than white people during the coronavirus pandemic. Mind says the findings raise concerns that the fall-out of the pandemic will disproportionately affect some communities far into the future.
“As society faces up to the discriminatory impact of coronavirus on particular BAME groups, including rates of infection and tragic loss of life, our survey provides evidence of how people within these groups are also being hit hardest by mental health problems stemming from economic impact of COVID-19 on areas such as housing and employment.
Marcel Vige, Head of Equality Improvement at Mind
mind for better mental health
Mind
Existing inequalities have made mental health of BAME groups worse during pandemic
Further support
- If you’re struggling you can call Samaritans free on 116123
- Mind helpline 0300 123 3393
- See a GP if you feel you need help dealing with your anger
- Stepchange offer support with financial worry and debt
- Keep protecting each other – Hands | Face | Space
