Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner encourages us to look after mental health in lockdown
Angus Macpherson is backing a new Government campaign
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner is calling on people across the county to make their own mental health a priority as the pandemic continues.
It comes as a new survey by Public Health England has revealed the impact of lockdown and Covid restrictions on the wellbeing of adults in the UK.
49% of people said they felt the pandemic had impacted negatively on their mental health, with more people experiencing anxiety (46%), stress (44%), sleep problems (36%) and low mood (46%).
There were also other issues highlighted by those taking part:
- 56% said they were missing friends and family; and 33% were experiencing loneliness
- 53% felt uncertainty about the future; with 27% reporting financial and employment worries
- 53% worried about family's safety and health
Public Health England (PHE) has set up the nationwide Better Health - Every Mind Matters campaign to encourage us to take stock of our mental health and do what we can to improve it.
The Every Mind Matters website includes a way for people to put together their own NHS-approved Mind Plan.
That sees people answering 5 questions, to help come up with practical tips to ease anxiety, stress, improve sleep and feel more in control.
The campaign has been highlighted by Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner on his social media feeds:
Clare Perkins, Director of the Mental Health Programme at PHE said:
"While the experience of the pandemic has been different for everyone, there's no doubt it has caused unprecedented challenges, and, not surprisingly, many of us are now experiencing poorer mental wellbeing.
"Stress, anxiety and worry are very natural feelings in the face of the Covid-19 outbreak, and looking after our mental wellbeing has never been more important. The good news is that our Every Mind Matters Covid-19 resources have lots of excellent practical tips and advice, and I'd encourage you to get a free NHS Mind Plan, which will give you simple steps to help you navigate these challenging times."
Over 2.6 million Mind Plans have been created since the scheme was first launched in October 2019.