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General
General
All of us have mental health and experience different degrees of wellbeing, and this can fluctuate. Many of us will find the current situation challenging for all sorts of reasons, whether we have a diagnosed mental health condition or not. These are some resources that anyone might find helpful or of interest. Below, there are also some resources which could be helpful for those who have specific diagnoses or identify with particular types of mental health difficulties
Oxfordshire Mind have created the Oxfordshire Mind Guide - a guide to mental health services across Oxfordshire.
Oxfordshire and Buckingham 24/7 Mental Health helpline : call 111, and people in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire can find out when and where to get help and to access support from mental health professionals.
Free, online support for young people is available at - www.kooth.com/.
Online support is available to all Brookes students from Togetherall, an online mental health platform which hosts a supportive community of other people in similar situations, whose identities are not disclosed. There are self-guided courses as part of the platform which are designed to help people manage a variety of difficulties and improve their health and wellbeing at their own pace.
Advice and resources
Student Space, developed by Student Minds, is a resource to make it easier for you to find support during the coronavirus pandemic. There is phone and text support as well as resources and articles.
Mind have some great practical advice on supporting your wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak, including ideas for activities, and supporting ourselves over winter- www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/.
Brookes Union have produced a really useful general resource: www.brookesunion.org.uk/articles/mental-health-guide-for-covid-19.
Talking Space Plus have created videos offering advice on how to look after yourself and your loved ones.
Also excellent is a collection of self-help guides and resources from UCL that are specific to coronavirus; lots of activities and tools to try.
The Mental Health Foundation have some advice for those who feel lonely during the coronavirus pandemic
This is a great article on creating a 'self-soothe box' (essentially a box of things which make you feel good, for tough times). Many students find these really helpful to put together and use when needed.
Useful grounding tips and techniques (to keep mind and body focused on the here and now) an be found at www.winona.edu/resilience/Media/Grounding-Worksheet.pdf .
Papyrus also offer some good advice on practising self care in times of uncertainty.
Anxiety, worry and OCD
Anxiety, worry and OCD
Many of us will be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, and for those with existing difficulties with Anxiety or OCD, the current situation may be particularly challenging. Take a look at these links for some advice and support.
Tips:
* make a plan for your day- give yourself some structure and activities to focus on
* If you have a therapist, explore ways of keeping in touch with them
* try to limit your time looking at the news and/or social media
www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ - Anxiety UK’s info-line service can offer practical advice and information on support services that are available. Info line - 03444 775 774, Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5.30pm 07537 416 905 (or text service 07537 416 905 or email support@anxietyuk.org.uk).
OCD UK have some helpful advice on managing OCD in the context of Coronavirus, as does this video on the BBC website.
Check out 'Taming Olivia', a blog written by Catherine Benfield, who has OCD and has written and created Olivia. Some students have found this really helpful!
No Panic have some hints and tips about managing anxiety and panic at this time.
Psychology Tools have created a guide to living with worry and anxiety amidst global uncertainty.
This podcast on managing anxiety and stress at this time is worth a listen: drchatterjee.com/coronavirus-special-how-to-manage-anxiety-in-the-face-of-a-global-pandemic/.
Low mood, depression and Bipolar
Low mood, depression and Bipolar
Many of us may be finding the current restrictions difficult, and those who already experience depression and low mood may find this time particularly hard. These links offer advice and support
Tips:
* plan each day- give yourself structure and routine, and make sure you have a balance of routine and enjoyable activities
* connect with others when you can in whatever ways work for you
* practice self-care
* many students tell us how important it is for them when managing low mood to get outside for a walk once a day
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/low-mood-and-depression/ - Information about low mood and depression, with resources for self-help and support.
www.studentsagainstdepression.org/ - a website offering advice, information and guidance to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
Oxford Health have produced a leaflet on depression and coping with Coronavirus
Bipolar UK have a page about how they can support people with Bipolar during the current situation.
Difficulties with eating
Difficulties with eating
Tips:
Make a plan for meals and the structure of your day
Maintain contact and appointments with health professionals, like GPs. If at home, make sure to register with home GP
Work towards maintaining positive eating and a healthy weight
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus - Information on supporting yourself during this time and accessing professional services, including online support groups
In a crisis
In a crisis
If you're experiencing a crisis, you can use the following resources for support:
111 - Non-emergency NHS health advice
101- Non-emergency police advice
SHOUT Text service - 24/7 text support
Text SHOUT to: 85258
www.giveusashout.org/Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - Free and confidential helpline for anyone who needs to talk through life's problems.
Open 5.00pm - 12.00 midnight.
Tel: 0800 585858Samaritans - 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.uk
24/7 Listening supportPapyrus - Confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Open:
Monday to Friday 9.00am - 10.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 2.00pm - 10.00pm
Bank holidays 2.00pm - 10.00pm
Tel: 0800 0684141Emergency and crisis helplines around the world can be found here.
In an emergency, where someone is in danger or a crime is being committed, call 999.
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