Mental Health

[Bordeauxclaret]

Following on from comments on another thread, it’s a difficult time for everyone at the moment but some will suffer more then others.

With the amount of people who post on here, do we have anyone who works in mental health who could perhaps share some tips or guidance to people during this time?

[yTib]

give the house a good tidy.

it may seem trivial but it really helps to calm be down.

even doing the washing up helps to de-stress me.

[tim_noone]

Dont watch the news...period.

[TheFamilyCat]

This situation is going to have a massive impact on mental health - the worry about the health of yourself and loved ones, finances and job security and being locked down will all contribute to this.

My wife who has a history of depression and anxiety is struggling already and it is going to be a tough time for us.

I can't offer any advice really; make the most of the daily exercise and try to do things you enjoy, where possible, try and keep busy.

[Marney&Mee]

Lay off the grog

[Burnley1989]

I’ve been drinking heavily since I was furloughed, decided to stop from tomorrow until weekend, far too easy to grab another beer and been drinking at least 8 cans a day.

My mental health isn’t as bad as it was but I think that’s due to not being in my stressful job and being financially safe so not too concerned.

We are only 1 week in though so I suspect I’ll get worse

[Tricky Trevor]

Dont watch the news...period.

I get where you are coming from Tim but the rules are changing so rapidly you need the news to know what’s legal and what's not.

[Jakubclaret]

It’s best to relax I think as well as keeping busy, what’s happening in the world all the sad news about people suffering & dying you mustn’t allow yourself to dwell on it for too long, eventually they’ll be a end game in sight when we all can get back to work & normality, in the meantime all you can really do is follow the government advice to ensure the end game comes sooner than later & less trouble along the way.

[Jakubclaret]

I’ve been drinking heavily since I was furloughed, decided to stop from tomorrow until weekend, far too easy to grab another beer and been drinking at least 8 cans a day.

My mental health isn’t as bad as it was but I think that’s due to not being in my stressful job and being financially safe so not too concerned.

We are only 1 week in though so I suspect I’ll get worse

It’s very easy trap to fall into but won’t get you anywhere, I was the same but knocked it on the head if it’s not in the house you don’t think as much about it.

[Marney&Mee]

Get yourself some Becks Blue in. Best no alcohol beer around. Cheap as chips

[Burnley1989]

It’s very easy trap to fall into but won’t get you anywhere, I was the same but knocked it on the head if it’s not in the house you don’t think as much about it.

I’ve a bar in my house so quite well stocked at the minute. I won’t be buying more though until it’s all over

[tim_noone]

I’ve been drinking heavily since I was furloughed, decided to stop from tomorrow until weekend, far too easy to grab another beer and been drinking at least 8 cans a day.

My mental health isn’t as bad as it was but I think that’s due to not being in my stressful job and being financially safe so not too concerned.

We are only 1 week in though so I suspect I’ll get worse

Whoooa....mindfulness. I've got lots of drinks in the house,its just there now and again for me. But these really are uncertain times. Take it easy do all things calming.

[Marney&Mee]

Have a look at a book called the Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters. Great for helping discard negative thoughts and worries

[Steve1956]

Lay off the grog

Naw! ...dont be silly

[Jakubclaret]

I’ve a bar in my house so quite well stocked at the minute. I won’t be buying more though until it’s all over

A odd 1 or 2 won’t hurt before bed at nighttime, I think it can become more of a problem when you are on it during the day as some people often succumb to when bored & not working, I try to have a golden rule say 8pm you drink less that way.

[Steve1956]

Always end every day with a nice malt and a lump of blue cheese...I sleep like a baby.

[bfcjg]

Always end every day with a nice malt and a lump of blue cheese...I sleep like a baby.

That went in my bottle as a baby slept like a good un.

[Burnley1989]

Have a look at a book called the Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters. Great for helping discard negative thoughts and worries

Currently reading that mate, read it a few times.

[Burnley1989]

A odd 1 or 2 won’t hurt before bed at nighttime, I think it can become more of a problem when you are on it during the day as some people often succumb to when bored & not working, I try to have a golden rule say 8pm you drink less that way.

I’ve been saying 5pm or 1pm at weekends. I’ll knock it in the head this week

[bfcjg]

Jigsaw are a real relaxing tool, when you do one you just focus on the task in hand blanking out everything else , other things such as learning to paint, doing a drawing cutting grass etc.

[Jakubclaret]

I’ve been saying 5pm or 1pm at weekends. I’ll knock it in the head this week

It's definitely advisable to keep limits that's for sure, it doesn't bother me that much nowadays i used to drink frequently I can go weeks without then just have a couple of strong 1s you notice the difference then.

[Steve1956]

That went in my bottle as a baby slept like a good un.

And I have the dreams of a16 year old schoolboy

[Damo]

Walk the dog once per day. Do as many press ups and sit ups as you can. Count them, try and beat your best attempt after a few days rest. Clean only as much as needs cleaning. Polishing things that dont need to be polished will send you berserk. Read books. Any books

[Steve1956]

Being serious though depression is a terrible thing i witness it first hand with my wife...its a horrendous struggle for her sometimes

[boatshed bill]

Exercise really does help to cure the symptoms

[taio]

Stating the obvious, but make extra effort to eat healthy, exercise and speak to people and minimise alcohol and time spent online and watching tele.

[Paul Waine]

A daily walk in a park or countryside, if you can, is the best way to "keep on an even keel." As others stated, exercise is very good for both physical and mental health.

Go easy on the alcohol, there are numerous excellent "zero alcohol" beers available these days, they taste as good as the "stronger stuff" without any of the negative effects.

Take care, everyone.

[tim_noone]

A daily walk in a park or countryside, if you can, is the best way to "keep on an even keel." As others stated, exercise is very good for both physical and mental health.

Go easy on the alcohol, there are numerous excellent "zero alcohol" beers available these days, they taste as good as the "stronger stuff" without any of the negative effects.

Take care, everyone.

I think thats gonna be banned...

[boatshed bill]

I think thats gonna be banned...

As usual, Tim, there are varied reports about how we should behave during this crisis.
The latest one i've heard is that exercise has to be taken within 2km of the home. Not sure how true this is, but imagine the problems that could cause in built up areas.

[tim_noone]

Agreed.

[AndrewJB]

Easier said than done, but this could also be an opportunity to learn something. Reading (download the kindle app, and then get electronic books, many of which are free). Meditation and yoga (honestly very good). Music (playing off you can as well as listening). Writing, art, crafts. Keep to a schedule, so your day still has structure, but give yourself more time than usual to do things, so that you can slow down. Eat good food. Take stock of what you have and then search for a recipe online (you can do that sometimes by just writing what you have into google and adding “recipe” - or ask on here. Meet up with people virtually with FaceTime or messenger. Volunteer to help local elderly people. Build a model from cardboard.

Most people work long hours, so in many respects this could be a welcome downtime.

[Paul Waine]

As usual, Tim, there are varied reports about how we should behave during this crisis.
The latest one i've heard is that exercise has to be taken within 2km of the home. Not sure how true this is, but imagine the problems that could cause in built up areas.

I measured my exercise distance today, At 1km I was still someway short of a very large parkland area. I was in the park at about 1.25km - and then there was another 2-3 km to the other side and just lots and lots of open spaces and a few, but very few, other people walking (a couple cycling) there. Was I "breaking the rules" when I didn't turn round at the 2km point? Was it ok if I continued a bit further, perhaps nearest couple to me about 100m away? I'd walked 8km when I got home following the same route back from exiting the parkland, so 5.5km walking inside the parkland - and doing myself a lot of good, building up my immunity and the ability to fight an infection. Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing to help protect the NHS?

I'm lucky, only 1.25km streets before I can away from them. If I was in inner city London, or somewhere where they've just shut down the parks and open spaces....

[ecc]

Good post, AndrewJB. You've provided some excellent tips IMHO.

FWIW I have suffered from chronic depression for over 12 years. BUT whilst it can sometimes be quite simply impossible to motivate yourself when you suffer from depression, setting targets is crucial. The targets may be very small - probably best to keep them small - but achieving them can give you a boost.

Starting to learn a new language is one other option. There are scores of decent sites which you can use free of charge.

[Damo]

I'm still working and work nights on rail projects, so avoiding alcohol isn't an issue. Can also work remotely from site, still self isolating but not being stuck in the house. I've been stuck in all day today and been climbing the walls. It's going to take a toll on lots of you and I hope you get through it without losing the plot. Tough times

[Wile E Coyote]

I was doing ok, but my wife works where someone has sadly passed away and was tested positive for the coronavirus. she and colleagues have no means of testing, but have decided to carry on despite this. self isolation is all well and good in theory, but some have little choice . the stress is mounting im sorry to admit.

[jrgbfc]

I'm already starting to get incredibly fed up, can't imagine what it's going to be like after another 2 or 3 months. I'm off work this week as well after working a bit last week. I've set myself the target of going out running and trying to get fit again, and I've downloaded an app to try and learn a bit of Spanish.

[Damo]

I was doing ok, but my wife works where someone has sadly passed away and was tested positive for the coronavirus. she and colleagues have no means of testing, but have decided to carry on despite this. self isolation is all well and good in theory, but some have little choice . the stress is mounting im sorry to admit.

Most people who get this will end up with a bit of a cough and cold like symptoms. Keep your chin up pal

[tim_noone]

I was doing ok, but my wife works where someone has sadly passed away and was tested positive for the coronavirus. she and colleagues have no means of testing, but have decided to carry on despite this. self isolation is all well and good in theory, but some have little choice . the stress is mounting im sorry to admit.

Your not on your own wile...anxiety will be on the increase for must of us..cos were basically in the dark regards what's gonna develope...you have an added worry I guess.

[Wile E Coyote]

thanks tim

[nil_desperandum]

I get where you are coming from Tim but the rules are changing so rapidly you need the news to know what’s legal and what's not.

Yes, but you don't need to watch the news on the TV round the clock to keep up to date. We knocked TV news programmes on the head a few days ago, and simply check the radio bulletin once in morning and once in the evening. We've found it far less worrying and depressing, and are trying to focus on other things rather than exposing ourselves to the seemingly relentless, disturbing tv coverage.

[Bin Ont Turf]

Each to their own like, but me having a slurp is stopping me from climbing the f***ing walls at the minute.

[leelad]

Wife suffers from depression and anxiety, so working on and completing any task (even getting out of bed) is hard. She is now teaching our daughter, I tried filling that gap last week but then realised my wife wasn't coping as she was struggling to find things to do. I will be cooking, and keeping the house running as best we can.

I was furloughed as of Friday last week, so this is my 1st working week. My weekend was like being on a rollercoaster ride thinking what I needed to do to cope. I like routine and some general structure to this week (so here's my plan). I know from experience that writing it down does help.

Daily exercise in the morning (for me that's Joe Wicks)
Make the beds (that's important)
Have enrolled in a short online course which will last me a couple of weeks relating to areas around what I do for a job
Listen to podcasts (found a great one just now called Don't tell me the score) which you can get via sounds
TED talks
Reading - Burnley books at the moment
Some gardening - we have a backyard, and am growing some tulips and broad beans at the moment - good to get outside for a while
Decluttering - finances, e-mails - make small steps.
Access TV bulletins first thing at morning and last thing at night
Try and avoid mindless surfing through social media (that's a difficult one)
Achieve something each day (could be really small)

Hope that helps, I don't work in mental health but have a lot of exposure to it from watching how my wife copes with her depression and anxiety

[Bosscat]

Each to their own like, but me having a slurp is stopping me from climbing the f***ing walls at the minute.

Careful you don't find yourself on the slippery slurp B O T

[KateR]

That went in my bottle as a baby slept like a good un.

blue cheese in your bottle, wow that's a first

[conyoviejo]

Each to their own like, but me having a slurp is stopping me from climbing the f***ing walls at the minute.

Do you get another dog Bot ?

[Bin Ont Turf]

Do you get another dog Bot ?

No mate, I don't have the time (in normal circumstances) to look after and care for one properly.

One would be great right now though.

[conyoviejo]

No mate, I don't have the time (in normal circumstances) to look after and care for one

One would be great right now though.
[/quote

Yes , I know what you mean,we dont have one at the moment..
Take care,stay safe and dont be mixing those strong ales.

[Bin Ont Turf]

Same to you Con.

I don't play with the strong ones anymore.