As England slowly lifts lockdown restrictions after strict guidelines for the last three months, many have been impacted in different ways. One of the most prominent ways is a negative affect on mental health. Childline is the country’s best-known service for child support and have reported to have seen a 37% rise in the number of children aged 11 and under contacting them for mental and emotional health issues during lockdown restrictions. (ITV)
Imagine all the children who cannot speak English well or refugees for example who have come to England for a new change but are stuck indoors. Who can they talk to other than their immediate family? This is one reason why more interpreters are needed in mental health but children are not the only ones suffering. Managing our wellbeing is key right now.
Why the increase in mental health issues?
The Office of National Statistics report shows the impact on parents as ‘between 3 April and 10 May 2020, of parents who were homeschooling, one in three women (34%) agreed that it was negatively affecting their well-being compared with one in five men (20%), while 43% of homeschooling parents agreed that it was negatively affecting the well-being of their children’. (HR News)
The percentages are quite high as parents have also had to change their lifestyles, some may not be able to teach their children due to language barriers which could lead to more frustration. There are many other reasons that can affect people’s mental health during lockdown and the coronavirus
outbreak even as guidelines ease:
- Financial strain such as low income and unemployment
- Household issues such as domestic violence, living alone or with young children not attending nursery or school
- Being a key worker and under stress due to exposure
- Changes to daily routine
- People with existing health conditions
- Fear of going out again
Wellbeing tips for everyone:
The NHS and other mental health charities are there to support others, here is a list of tips provided by health care global on how to manage your wellbeing at home:
- Plan practical things
- Stay in-touch with others
- Talk about your feelings and worries
- Look after your physical body
- Take some time away from the news
- Consider a new daily routine
- Get enough sleep
- Keep your mind active and engaged
For more tips, check out this website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak
If you’re in need of child safeguarding contact details in London, here is a list for different boroughs: