Recently, around World Mental Health Day, we’ve been shining the spotlight on mental health training and support during the global coronavirus pandemic.
Mental health is often a topic that we don’t like to discuss, but COVID-19 has put many of us under pressure. Restrictions, lockdowns and guidelines have fundamentally changed how we do things every day.
During lockdown the mental health support charity, Mind, carried out a coronavirus and mental health survey with more than 16,000 people. The charity found that more than half of the adults (60%) and more than two-thirds of the young people (68%) who took part said their mental health had got worse during lockdown. According to Mind, many people have developed new mental health problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some people have seen existing mental health problems worsen.
In June 2020 the Office for National Statistics found that nearly one in five adults (19.2%) was likely to experience a form of depression during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This was almost double the rate from the nine months before the pandemic.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day was ‘mental health for all’. Enjoying good mental health means you are better equipped to be the best that you can be, at home and at work. You are more likely to be able to cope with whatever life throws at you.
Mental health training to support others with their mental health
If you’re working with people living with mental health conditions our mental health training will help you understand different conditions and how best to support people.
Looking after your own mental health
If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental or emotional state, there is help and support available.
Training Now safeguarding team
If you are doing your apprenticeship with Training Now there is a team on hand if you need someone to talk to. Our safeguarding team of Laura, Alina and Luke is here to listen to you.
Support at work
Through your employer you may have access to an in-house team or an Employee Assistance Programme online or over the phone.
The Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) shares information on a variety of mental health topics, including parenting, loneliness and financial worries.
The MHF is also encouraging us to stay connected by taking time out to share a socially-distanced or virtual tea break with friends and/or colleagues. A quick chat over a brew and a biscuit is something that many of us are missing, especially those of us who are working from home.
As well as the physical act of getting up and going to a staffroom or kitchen, a tea break is a chance to connect socially. It’s a time to share stories or a joke, to ask colleagues what they watched on TV last night, or what their plans are for the weekend. It’s this connection that makes us human. Find out more about Tea & Talk.
Mind
Mind has a coronavirus information hub, which includes advice on working from home and a Wellness Action Plan for home workers.
Samaritans
Samaritans have resources if you’re worried about your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.
If you feel you are in a mental health crisis situation and need to speak to someone urgently you can contact Samaritans completely confidentially and free of charge by calling 116 123 24 hours a day, seven days a week.