Over the past ten weeks our NHS has battled Coronavirus, and the Government has supported millions of jobs and businesses whilst we have observed instructions to ’Stay Home’ to save lives. During this time we have been told of the importance of regular daily exercise to keep us physically fit, but last week during Mental Health Awareness week we were reminded that good mental health is equally important. Loneliness and anxiety plague many of us at the best of times. From the working mum at home and juggling childcare, to the stress for business owners worrying about the future, to the loneliness some of those shielding are experiencing – lockdown has exacerbated many of these feelings.
During this time, there is still plenty of support available for emotional wellbeing and mental health, too. NHS Every Mind Matters has excellent tips and resources for looking after your mental health, aimed at urgent help as well as that added bit of extra support. Locally, Stockport Council has an emotional wellbeing and mental health support hub with a wide range of resources. From online support and text services to helplines, there is lots of assistance for those in need of emotional wellbeing support and advice in this difficult time. I am also pleased to see our community come together to support neighbours. From ringing and checking in on neighbours who are lonely, to delivering packages and putting up posters of thanks in doorways, to even setting up local radio stations like brand new Cheadle FM (do tune in on 87.9FM), the community has recognised the need to connect in new ways.
If you or someone you know needs healthcare that cannot wait, for physical or mental health, do not put this off until after lockdown eases – you should seek care. This could range from heart attacks to suicidal feelings, strokes or even suspected cancer symptoms. Do not put this off until after lockdown eases. It is important that health issues other than COVID-19 are neither ignored nor neglected. If you need to use the NHS, it is open and ready to help you.
