Mental health and wellbeing
Practical advice on how to cope when you have to stay at home, looking after your wellbeing, and where to find more help.
Taking care of your mental health
You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated. It is OK to feel this way and remember that everyone reacts differently to situations and it is likely the feeling will be temporary and will pass. Having some helpful tools can support being able to better cope with feeling anxious or stressed.
Anxiety is normal, but tough to deal with, and it can affect us all in different ways and at different times. Whereas stress is something that will come and go as the trigger causing it (be it a work, relationship or money problems, etc.) comes and goes, anxiety is something that can persist even if the reason for it is not clear to you.
Anxiety UK
Whether you have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that’s affecting your daily life, Anxiety UK are here to help you. And they’re fully supported by an expert team of medical advisors.
Anxiety UK Helpline: 03444 775 774
Anxiety UK Text Service: 07537 416 905
NHS – Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. Every Mind Matters have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Mind, mental health charity
Headspace – mindfulness and medication
They have hundreds of guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, productivity, exercise and physical health. They have made some of their meditations free for everyone.
NHS LiveWell
website – resources to help you make the best choices about your well-being
Domestic abuse
Remember, in an emergency always call 999. If you’re in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to local police who will assist you without having to speak.
If you are concerned that a friend or neighbour is experiencing domestic abuse, always call 999 in an emergency, otherwise call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to report it anonymously.
Visit .gov for National advice
Ideas for keeping social
There are many ways you can continue or even begin socialising with others. How we connect and interact has changed over recent years but it is still important to have social interactions with friends, family and loved ones. We now have new technologies such as video calling, Facetime, What’s App, Zoom, Teams etc. Below are some ideas to get you started on your social wellness journey so why not put the remote down and begin connecting.
Phone calls or video chats
- Plan a telephone call / video chat daily. We can all feel lonely so there’s never a better time to connect or reconnect with people in your life
- Here is guidance on how to sign up for Zoom, one example of video software
- Organise or take part in an online quiz. Why not give it a try?
REGISTER for WEEKLY ONLINE QUIZZEs
- Connect with neighbours as they too may be feeling isolated.
- You may prefer the written word to communicate. Perhaps finding a pen pal is more up your street. Here are some links to give you a good start in finding a suitable pen pal.
FIND A PEN PAL ON GLOBAL PEN FRIENDS
Age UK
If you are feeling lonely and would like to connect with like-minded people over a telephone conversation, then Age UK offer a befriending and support service that is currently working differently due to social distancing but still has experienced volunteers to chat, listen and support you at this time. Please watch their video and give them a call if this would support your wellness.
sign up for Age Uks BEFRIENDING SERVICE
Getting a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep may be difficult for some of us but it is a vital part of your overall wellness. Most adults need between 6 and 9 hours of sleep every night. Here are some tips which may help you.
If you have difficulty falling asleep, a regular bedtime routine will help you wind down and prepare for bed. We understand at times getting into bed and keeping your legs elevated can be difficult, but it is an important part of your treatment that will reduce swelling and support healing.
Sleeping while wearing compression garments
At the end of the day after wearing your compression garments your legs may ache, this is quite normal and means your compression garment is working well. To ease that aching feeling we recommend elevating your legs. The best way of doing this is going to bed at the end of the day, allowing your legs and feet to rest in a position that will ensure good blood flow and a good night’s sleep.
If you struggle lifting your legs into bed and this is why you sleep in a chair, there are ‘leg lifters’ available to support you if you do not have help. Take a look at some of our videos
Read more: MANUAL LEG LIFT options
read more: mobility LEG LIFTERS
Remember to tell your nurse where you usually sleep because sleeping in a chair with your legs on the floor can impact the reduction of swelling and healing time. Remember better conversations with your Nurse ensure better outcomes.