HSE Publishes Article on Mental Health during Coronavirus Outbreak
As many of us are currently practicing social distancing and isolation in an effort to ensure we do our part to “flatten the curve” and help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (Convid-19), the Health Service Executive (HSE) reminds us that we should take time out to also consider our mental health.
To help us do this, the HSE has published an article on their website titled “Minding your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak”, which identifies how our mental health may be affected and what actions we can take to improve it.
The article lists several things we may experience when our mental health is suffering which include:
- Increased anxiety,
- Feeling stressed,
- Excessively checking for symptoms, in ourselves, or others,
- Becoming irritable more easily,
- Feeling insecure or unsettled.
For times when we experience these symptoms, the HSE’s article goes on to highlight a few ways we can mind our mental health, such as:
- Staying informed but setting limits on news and social media intake,
- Keeping up with healthy routines, such as regular sleep pattens and exercise,
- Staying connected to others, via video calls, phone calls and text messages,
- Using online and over the phone mental health services.
For those of us who have existing mental health conditions, this time of isolation can be especially difficult. The HSE notes that these people should ensure that they stay connected with mental health services and their friends and family, continue taking their medication and practice relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Just as we are all staying vigilant and taking precautions to protect ourselves from the Coronavirus (Covid-19), we should also be aware of our mental health and look to mitigate any impact.
To find a mental help resource or to talk to someone, click here.
Alternatively, if you need further information on how to make facilities or services more accessible and inclusive, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on (01) 415 12 85 or e-mail [email protected].
