As the weeks rumble on we all continue to do our very best. Getting through each day can be tough and so we hope you are doing okay. My plans to learn French during this time went out the window fairly rapidly and, like many of you, I am just trying to make sense of what is a difficult and confusing time. I hear a lot about people putting themselves under pressure to achieve new things during this time; I think that's a big ask. I am encouraging all those around me to focus on their wellbeing, to stay present using mindfulness and to limit news intake. Oh and I throw in an exercise routine each day, that helps too! But I also want to acknowledge that it can be near-impossible to turn this experience into a pot of gold; for many, it is far from that.
How will the coronavirus pandemic affect the nation’s mental health?
This new briefing is our first assessment of the likely impacts of Covid-19 on mental health in Britain. It uses evidence from previous epidemics internationally and from the aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis to estimate what effect Covid-19 will have on mental health at population level in the UK.
Covid-19 has brought abrupt changes to everyday life. Many people will have felt isolated and disempowered at some point , and all will have experienced a loss – of their freedom, of their job, of their health, of a loved one.
While many will come through it without lasting negative effects on their mental health, there is evidence that quarantine conditions can have several long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, in some people.
When the acute phase of the physical health crisis has passed, addressing these social and psychological consequences of coronavirus must be made a priority. This briefing explores the ideas of collective trauma, and what the process of recovery may look like.
Whether you have had a mental health difficulty before or not, whatever age you are, wherever you are from, we want to hear about how the pandemic is affecting your mental health. We'll be sharing more information about how you can get involved over the next few weeks - keep an eye on our social media channels for more.
Alethea shares more about our 'A Year In Our Lives' project, which will share people's stories and experiences of living through the coronavirus pandemic, and what it's meant for their mental health.
The Centre's writer in residence Mark Brown shares some encouraging words and tips on writing about your experience, thoughts and feelings.
Publications
Kidney disease and mental health People living with kidney disease are twice as likely to have a mental health problem, compared to the general population in the UK, the most common being anxiety and depression.
This joint statement with Kidney Research UK highlights how vulnerable kidney patients already were before the coronavirus pandemic and shows that, without improved support, their mental health could worsen even more in the current climate.
We know that the coronavirus pandemic is a physical health emergency on a global scale, such as we have never seen in our lifetimes. But it is also a mental health emergency. Our high quality, evidence-based research, evaluation and policy advice has never been more important during this time of uncertainty. Now more than ever, your support is so valuable.
Intelligent Kindness to the rescue? Professor Dame Sue Bailey considers the role kindness can play in bringing about better mental health outcomes for all
Sarah underlines why we're so dedicated to tackling inequality in mental health, especially in the age of Covid-19, and how we're working to put equality on the map in Government's the response to the pandemic
