Sutton Scene - Deputy Leader of the Council Column 30/10/20

We are all taking measures to protect our physical health, and that of others, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It is equally important that we take care of our mental health too.

As a result of protecting ourselves from Covid, many of us are missing interaction with friends and family, feeling lonely or grieving for lost ones. The long dark nights are known to have a negative effect on mood, which can exacerbate stress or anxiety, on top of worries about income, employment or our physical health.

If you are struggling, do seek help. There are lots of organisations that can provide support and advice and some are listed below.

There are also things you can do to protect your mental health that can be incorporated into your everyday life, even with the Covid restrictions:

• Doing some form or physical activity can help boost your mood, as can being outdoors amongst nature.  Try a walk in one of our lovely parks in the borough and don’t let the weather put you off – wrap up warm, put on your wellies and embrace the season. You can also exercise at home and there are videos and guides that can help. Yoga, Zumba or simply dancing to your favourite tunes are easy to do without needing too much space or equipment.

• Losing yourself in a task you enjoy can help us forget anxious thoughts. Whether that is cooking, doing a crossword, playing a musical instrument or gardening, make sure you take time for yourself. Or you could follow up a new interest or hobby.

• If you can, connect with others. Whether by telephone, virtually or waving across the street, we all need human contact. So reach out and stay in touch with friends and family.

If you have lost someone close, bereavement counselling can be helpful. Don’t feel you have to put on a brave face and cope with it all alone.

Relationships can also suffer at this time and we may have to deal with the mental ill-health of others as well as our own. Again, recognising the situation and seeking help may be necessary, but also giving everyone in the house a little space and opportunity to do things they enjoy can help reduce the everyday tensions.

Please be kind to yourselves. Be kind to each other. It’s important to remember that this time will pass.

Councillor Jayne McCoy

Listed below are some local organisations who can help. Your GP will also be able to signpost you to local support services.

https://www.suttonuplift.co.uk/

https://smhf.org.uk/

www.notaloneinsutton.gov.uk

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/

https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/covid-19-advice-and-information