This Mental Health Awareness Week, #SpeakYourMind

This is a Mental Health Awareness Week with a difference.

Many of us are worried about coronavirus and how it will affect us and those we love.

This is why we are encouraging you to #SpeakYourMind and reach out to someone who needs a friend with a positive message, or share with them your own tips for coping to make sure they don't have to face this pandemic alone.

We can get through this together

Based on our recent survey with over 10,000 people, we know that one of the most common coping strategies many of us are using during these times is connecting with friends and family online. And for Mental Health Awareness week, it's more important than ever that we use our own experiences to help each other.

For those of us with existing mental health problems, we may never have felt more lonely or isolated. We believe that nobody should have to face a mental health problem alone.

That's why, this Mental Health Awareness Week, we are encouraging you to speak your mind and share your stories so others can see that they're not alone in the challenges they're facing.

We can get through this. Together. One day at a time.

#SpeakYourMind

#SpeakYourMind and reach out to someone who needs a friend with a positive message, or share with them your own tips for coping to make sure they don't have to face this pandemic alone. Sharing our stories help others see that they're not alone in the challenges they're facing

Use our social media templates to get started.

• Change your Facebook or Twitter cover photo.

• Download an image to post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

• Download our templates for your Instagram and Facebook stories and encourage others to join encourage others to do the same using the hashtag:

  • Your top tip for keeping well
  • A nice message for someone
  • One, two, three wellbeing check-in
  • How I'm feeling now
  • Self-care in lockdown bingo

• Join our Tik Tok Challenge and send a message of kindness to someone.

• Download and fill in our poster to share a message with others – either to provide some support, or to share how you are coping.

Tips from others

In our research, we asked people to share some advice to others to manage their mental health at this time of uncertainty. Here are some of the things that have been shared with us:

"Try to keep to a routine as much as you can – eat and sleep at normal times if possible."

"Go for walks if you are able. Take photos of nature. Smile and say hello to passers-by."

"I have found that being creative has helped me so much."

"Try to remember, nothing lasts forever. You can get through this difficult time."

"Speak out about how you feel, you will be surprised at who is willing to help you."

"Be kind to yourself. Take it hour by hour – not even day by day."

"I find minimising watching bad news on the TV helpful."

"Do something creative."

"It's okay to feel however you feel, people cope and react to things in different ways."

"Try not to put pressure on yourself to be too productive."

We need your help right now

The coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on our mental health. Please donate today to help us protect, support, and save lives.

Help our Infoline be there for everyone at this crucial time, including frontline workers, so we all have someone to talk to when it becomes too much.

Help us reach more people feeling trapped, isolated and alone with our peer support networks and advice on staying well. And help us to continue campaigning to protect your rights and support your needs in England and Wales during this national emergency.

We can get through this. Together. One day at a time.

Donate now