Taking Stock of Our Mental Health

Taking Stock of Our Mental Health
by Carolyn Barber
​Social isolation is usually seen as damaging to our mental health - we are all encouraged to connect with others, join local groups, find ways to meet and communicate with people. Now we are having to distance ourselves socially, to self isolate and keep away even from our nearest and dearest. Many are facing financial uncertainty, key workers are facing unprecedented pressures, families are struggling to cope. How are these different factors affecting our emotional health and mental wellbeing generally?

On the other hand, the world has slowed down. Nature is recuperating without our relentless pollution, our air is cleaner, the sea bluer. There may be time to be creative, to garden, to bake, to relax in new ways. What can we be grateful for in terms of our emotional wellbeing? Are there lessons to be learned for the gradual lifting of restrictions to come?

How do we look after our own emotional health and mental wellbeing in these unprecedented circumstances? What stresses have eased, and what others have taken their place? What can we learn from the current situation about good mental health? What are the most effective ways to support people experiencing mental distress?

The Good Mental Health Coop wants to start a 'wider conversation' about the different experiences people are having, what works in our own lives, what support we might need, what support we need to be offering others ...

If you'd like to help us make a start, why not take a look at this survey and share your experiences. Its completely anonymous.

Click here to complete the survey