​Archive: Mental Health From Both Sides (2020)

Mental Wellbeing  

Recap on COVID-19

It’s been a strange time for so many individuals in the United Kingdom, as we have had to stay indoors to protect ourselves from coronavirus or pass it on to vulnerable individuals with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or pregnant women. Based on an online search, we encountered fewer than 100 deaths last week, and the death toll has since decreased. Besides the UK, other countries have maintained quarantine, which has been vigorously enforced by their governing bodies. China has had to return to quarantine to control the virus from spreading.

Initially, we had been encouraged to remain in our houses and work from home, only shop for essentials, exercise outside for one hour each day, and only vital workers could leave their homes for work. The rules have since changed. We have been allowed to visit a friend whilst maintaining a 2-meter gap away from their person. They are encouraging social engagement yet minimising the risk of the virus spreading. As I mentioned before, Britain has the highest coronavirus death rate in Europe. Therefore, it is imperative to obey government laws and regulations concerning social distancing. If working from home, take a break, stretch your legs, or go outside. Some companies and organisations have remained productive and have had lots of business using Zoom to reach people in their homes. It has encouraged work and community-based activities, since my church, for example, has utilised this video conferencing and collaboration tool, filling the pockets of individuals such as Eric Yuan during this period.

• Mental Wellbeing During COVID-19

  
  

The most challenging thing to deal with is feeling isolated. You can contact any of the confidential numbers listed below if required. Otherwise, try to talk to a friend. Maintain some mental clarity, speak to someone you trust, or practice some of the self-care ideas listed below. 

It may be difficult for some individuals to maintain social distancing regulations, such as victims of child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and people who have mental health or psychological concerns. The authorities and charities have arranged for 300 beds to cater to the homeless. Thus, they can have a place to stay during the pandemic to remain safe during this period, with the council seeking more beds. During this period, it is imperative to engage with self-care rituals to maintain our mental health and well-being. Some of the ways we can achieve this include working on our sleep hygiene - this is defined as:

"Sleep hygiene is a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have a good night-time sleep quality and full daytime alertness." Sleep Foundation, 2020.​

This would ensure that we get the necessary amount of rest we require to function appropriately and increase focus while aiding recovery from a long day encountered during waking hours. It is essential to achieve at least 7 hours of sleep to perform at an optimal level. It has also been suggested that we may thrive on 4 hours of sleep since this is a sleep cycle that supports our bodies to refuel for the next day. Besides this, the food we eat is essential for our brain’s ability to nurture itself and supports our minds to repair and sustain more peaceful thought processes than when we consume plenty of sugar. This includes foods low in the glycaemic index, such as porridge, fruit, nuts, and muesli. These may also include foods rich in vitamins and iron, such as spinach (very dark leafy) and omega-three, such as salmon. Sometimes, certain individuals have specific health requirements they must adhere to. It’s often advised to eat intuitively to determine what your body responds well to. It is effortless and convenient to have a diet low in vitamins that do not support our livelihood or development. Therefore, it is essential to provide our bodies with the appropriate nourishment they deserve. Then, we have appropriate foods to encourage mental health.

When we feel stressed or depleted, this may interfere with our quality of life and affect how we feel and think in the long run. The life expectancy for individuals who experience plenty of stress is reduced by 2.4 years for a 30-year-old man and 5.5 years for a 30-year-old woman compared to individuals who experience minimal amounts of stress. When we exercise, this supports the brain’s chemical endorphins that may encourage brain health. This ultimately helps us to achieve a more restful state and create a sense of well-being. The NHS has suggested that adults attempt to achieve 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise), and 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily for children. If you need support during COVID-19 19 you may contact:

Samaritans - 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)

Young Minds - 0808 802 5544 Refuge - 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline) Mind - 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm)

• Mental Well-being in the Black Community

The black community does not typically discuss mental health. It is almost as though it depletes the energy of the jubilant and vibrant culture. As a hard-working community, discussing matters of well-being is very intimidating. We are getting better at identifying stress signs and looking after our minds; however, it is still challenging to discuss with family members or peers. This feeling often leads to individuals in the black community feeling as though they cannot speak openly to anyone about their mental health. Also, this attitude is noticeable within the black community and across many cultures.

The Equality Act relates to race and mental health. You don’t have to have a severe mental health condition to get protection under the Equality Act, especially if you have the same problem for a sustained period, including depression that interferes with daily activities. With access to health care being a different experience for black individuals, it is not difficult to identify that we need more support for black individuals in this specific department. Including the removal of stigma, access to therapy, or stronger family bonds may nurture every individual’s mental health and well-being in a confidential and nurturing environment.

• My Mental Wellbeing

  
  

As a Christian, I can encounter my mental well-being through many perspectives, including educationally, psychologically, and religiously, since everybody must look after their mental health and well-being. I believe that my faith supports me in identifying the attributes that I carry that could either hinder me or set me back on my mental health journey and life in general. I am very accountable and understanding of others. I have always been a very compassionate person toward people and circumstances.

Like anyone else, I am on a journey of self-discovery. However, I know myself very well and to a greater extent than anyone else. During COVID-19, I have experienced the quarantine from both sides - I began the quarantine in my family home, maintaining the social distancing rules and regulations, engaged with home workouts in the back garden, and watched Netflix. In mid-April, I resumed work as a key worker. I continued to practice self-care and focus on the goals I created for myself at the beginning of the year.