Helplines, apps and websites for support
Feeling anxious about Coronavirus? You're not alone and that's why this page offers you a variety of resources to use. Make sure you look at the useful links bellow for support from a number of organisations and ensure you check the orange box with 'Links in this Section'.
Useful links for wellbeing and mental health:
Young minds.org.uk Covid-19 resources
I'm struggling with my eating disorder
- Hope Virgo shares her tips on coping with an eating disorder during self-isolation.
- Our blogger Eve writes about her experience of recovering from an eating disorder in lockdown.
- Beat have lots of useful and up to date information that can help you, visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus.
Eating disorders thrive on isolation so turn your meal times into social activities over the phone or on Skype!
Hope Virgo, author and mental health campaigner
I have lost a loved one due to coronavirus
- Dealing with loss is difficult and there is no right way to react when someone dies. We all experience loss differently.
- Please read our advice from other young people who understand what it is like to deal with grief and loss.
I'm feeling anxious all of the time
- Anxiety is really high for lots of people right now, even people who don’t usually struggle with anxiety. Read our blog: What to do if you're anxious about coronavirus.
- Check out our general advice on dealing with anxiety.
- If you’re struggling with thoughts and actions that you cannot control (obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviours) take a look at our OCD advice.
- We also have a blog on coping with OCD during the coronavirus pandemic.
- You may find it helpful to practise some grounding techniques when you're feeling anxious or stressed.
- Our blogger Victoria, 21, has also shared some practical positive psychology techniques you can use.
A lot of people are finding things tricky at the moment, and allowing myself to recognise that these are difficult times for everyone and that it’s okay to struggle has really helped my anxiety surrounding this situation.
Madeleine, 19
My mood is low because of all of the changes
- Limit the time you spend checking the news and try to follow social media accounts that keep you positive and make you smile. Accounts like @the_happy_broadcast on Instagram only post good news stories.
- We have loads of tips on cleaning up your social media feed for a more positive time online - take a look at #OwnYourFeed.
- Follow the YoungMinds Instagram account! @youngmindsuk
I'm anxious about all of the changes
- It's totally normal to feel worried about the rules and regulations changing. But if you find you're worrying so much it's hard to do other things, speak to a friend or trusted adult about how you're feeling.
- Remember that it's OK to take things at your own pace.
- If you're worried about seeing people or being around people again, have a look at our blogger Molly's tips for coping with social anxiety.
- Our blogger Gigi also shares how she's coping with social anxiety when seeing people again.
- Two of our bloggers share how they're coping with anxiety about going back to school.
- Our blogger Rachael shares how she's coping with anxiety about going back to work.
Which quarantine character are you? Take our quiz!
Have you got a hundred projects on the go, or are you just chilling and waiting for this all to be over? Take our quiz to find out what your quarantine character is and get tips and advice for looking after your mental health during this time.
I'm struggling with self-isolation and social distancing
- Here are our tips on dealing with life under quarantine.
- Our Activist Wes shares how gaming has helped his mental health.
- Our bloggers and Activists share their self-care tips for self-isolation.
- Our blogger Lily shares her tips for how to look after your mental health in a difficult living environment during isolation.
- Our blogger Laura shares how she's coping on down days in self-isolation.
- Our blogger Alfie shares his tips for looking after your mental health while studying from home.
- Our blogger Laura shares her tips for creating a routine during self-isolation.
- Our Activist Maddie shares her experience during quarantine as she writes about coronavirus, autism and her mental health.
- Our bloggers share their tips on how to stay connected during lockdown.
- Our blogger Emma shares why self-forgiveness is so important during lockdown.
- Four of our bloggers share how they're coping with feelings of hopelessness during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Some of our bloggers share their worries about how COVID-19 may affect their future, as well as their tips for coping.
Things you can do during quarantine or self-isolation
If you are having to self-isolate, here are some links to things that can keep you connected, busy or entertaine.
Learn a language
If you want to use this time to learn a language or brush up on your language skills, there are lots of resources available online. We like Duolingo and Drops, which both help you get to grips with the basics of a number of languages with fun games, and can both be downloaded as smartphone apps.
Play games over video call
Houseparty is a great app you can use to video call friends, either individually or in groups. You can also play fun games together through the app!
Learn something new
If you fancy learning something new, The Open University has made a number of courses available - you can learn about anything from history, to psychology to science...all for free!
Try some indoor exercise
If you want to get a bit of exercise from the comfort of your home, Joe Wicks, a fitness trainer, is uploading home workouts every day, which are all available on YouTube.
Practise mindfulness and meditation
You could also use the time to practise mindfulness. Apps like Calm and Headspace offer loads of guided meditations. We also have a blog from Rachel, 17, on how she practises mindfulness for her mental health.
Your wellbeing is always the most important thing to take care of, particularly at times like this. It is okay to be upset now but remember that we’re all in this together, and there are always going to be people who will listen and who you can talk to.
Elsa, 18
I have lost a loved one due to Coronavirus
- Dealing with loss is difficult and there is no right way to react when someone dies. We all experience loss differently.
- Please read our advice from other young people who understand what it is like to deal with grief and loss.
What else can I do to look after my mental health?
- Visit our blog for real stories from young people getting through the coronavirus pandemic, self-care tips and finding help.
- Visit our find help section for more advice and information on looking after your mental health
As hard as it can be when you have no deadlines, it is important to try and keep a regular routine.
Dhyana, 18
Other useful websites
Anna Frued- National Centre for Children and Families
Mind- Online mental health support
Public Health England- Guidance on mental health and wellbeing aspects of Coronavirus
Young Minds- Anxious about Coronavirus?
Young Minds- Looking after your mental health whilst self-isolating