'Nothing wrong with saying you're not ok’ says mental health charity offering support for Doncaster people struggling during the pandemic

Through this time of great national stress, many people’s mental health may be suffering so Alyson Scott, CEO of Doncaster Mind is encouraging people to use their service and reach out for help.

She said: “We aim to continue our work for people experiencing mental ill-health and offer additional support for people with specific anxieties around Covid-19.

“People may be finding for the first time in their lives that they have anxiety - caused by the constant trauma that we are seeing in the media.

“If you don’t know how to recognise it then look at your behaviour and think if it’s consistent with your character.

“If it’s different to your normal and you find that you’re not dealing well or can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel then you may want to reach out for help.”

Doncaster Mind also advises not looking at the news after 6-7pm to reduce its effect on anxiety.

She also encourages getting outside for daily exercise, yoga and practising mindfulness.

In particular, she recommends a sensory distraction for at least 10 minutes.

“Having a chat with someone over the phone can really help,” Alyson continued.

“There is nothing wrong with saying that you're not ok.

“This is a really hard and difficult situation that nobody has ever been through before and everyone will be dealing with it differently.

“For some people getting out of bed, getting dressed and eating well will be all they can manage.”

Doncaster Mind is offering over the phone counselling for people who need to talk about their mental health - this will also expand into video calls in the near future.

There will also be online positive wellbeing, managing stress and anxiety courses and online yoga sessions.

Self-referrals to the new services can be made from Friday, April 10, through the charity’s website, www.doncastermind.org.uk, email [email protected] or leaving a message on 01302 812190.

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