Coronavirus has impacted on everyone’s mental health and wellbeing; 78% of people in the OI community have told us that the Pandemic has had a negative effect on their Mental Health.
Research shows that people with a long-term physical condition are more than twice as likely to develop mental health problems, this in turn can then make it harder for you to cope with your physical health condition.
You don’t have to put up with mental health problems or think they’re just part of having a long-term condition. Speak to your GP about how you’re feeling and ask about different treatments to find one that’s right for you.
For information on how to access NHS Mental Health Services please see this link:
You can view the BBS Factsheet on Emotional Wellbeing.
Members Stories
You can read members stories and how they have coped with mental health in our blog section.
You will also find stories here in relation to the importance of identity and body image.
Putting the I into OI
Please see below list of Organisations who offer can offer Support and Advice
For Children and Young People
The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families offers a range of specialist treatments and assessments for children, young people and families. They provide information on how to access services near you, strategies for self care, knowing your rights as well as topics such as managing social media.
They also have a section on their website aimed at supporting Young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing: https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/
Young Minds want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what. They are committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people.
Support for Anyone
BBC Headroom is a Mental Health Toolkit providing tools to help with things whether it is everyday tips, sounds to relax your mind, strategies to cope with parenting right now or films to get you talking. They are there to help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
Changing Faces are a charity who support people living with a scar, mark or condition that makes them look different. They provide support, advice and guidance on topics such as: confidence and self esteem, coping with peoples reactions, mental health and wellbeing, relationships and social life etc.
Every Mind Matters is an NHS website with lots of useful information covering areas such as: anxiety, low mood, sleep, stress and coronavirus and wellbeing: how to deal with loneliness, staying at home, coping with money worries. They also have quizzes and apps, including ideas for diet and keep fit.
Living Life to the Full (llttf) offer free online courses covering low mood, stress and resilience. Work out why you feel as you do, how to tackle problems, build confidence, get going again, feel happier, stay calm, tackle upsetting thinking and more. Their courses are free for individuals using them in their own lives. They also have a section – living with a long term health condition and courses for carers.
Mental Health and Money Advice are an organization who offer clear, practical and helpful advice for anyone experiencing issues with mental health and money. They have resources for managing welfare benefits and useful guides on PIP, Universal Credits, ESA and work capability assessments.
Mind provide advice and support to anyone experiencing a Mental Health Problem. They provide support through their helpline, provide information on community support, everyday living and information on legal rights.
App
Headspace is an app or alternatively you can find it on Netflix. They cover topics such as mediation, sleep, stress and mindfulness.
Counselling
Turn2me are a community of fully qualified and accredited mental health professionals working online to provide a high quality, safe, anonymous and confidential space for you to gain support-wherever you are, whenever you need them , for whatever you are going through. They offer peer support, group support and one to one counselling.