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Looking after your mental health is important

We are living in challenging times, be that coping with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or dealing with uncertainty because of Brexit. Many European Londoners have said they are worried about having to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme and feel anxious about their futures.

Everyday challenges at home or work can affect how we feel and can sometimes cause us to worry or lose sleep. Over time, these problems can start to build up, make us feel stressed and affect us emotionally. Feeling scared, anxious, down, worried or being unable to sleep during unsettling times is normal but this also can have a negative impact on you and the people around you. If this sounds like you or someone you work, live or spend time with, please visit www.good-thinking.uk at any time to help manage these feelings and keep your mind healthy.

Good Thinking is a free, NHS approved, digital health service to support people living, working and studying in London who are looking for ways to improve how they feel every day. It offers safe tips, ideas and tools to help with your wellbeing including advice for managing anxiety, depression, stress and sleep.

It is an anonymous service, and you can access it from your phone or laptop in the privacy of your home whenever you want or need to. You have the option to go straight to some self-help tools or you can answer three simple questions about how you are feeling and depending on your answers, Good Thinking will recommend tools for you to explore on your own. There are over 120 sources of help available including mobile apps, websites, downloadable guides and more information about health services to consider.

Our advice right now? Visit www.good-thinking.uk now and have a look around, you never know when it might become useful to you or someone you care about.

If you want to get wider advice about BREXIT and how it affects you please check out the Mayor of London’s European Hub for the latest updates including how to get help and support throughout the pandemic.

Simple ways to improve your wellbeing

Doctors of the World, in partnership with the Mayor of London and Thrive LDN, have put together a list of little things you can do to keep yourself well and some useful ways to get support if you are finding it hard. The guidance is available in English and 26 other languages to support migrant communities.

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about work, housing or financial difficulties, then explore the helpful range of resources and guidance on City Hall’s Hub.

 Getting urgent help for mental health

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time. If you have an existing mental health condition and an assigned care team or care worker, then it’s important to contact them.

NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages. You can call for:

  • 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for
  • help to speak to a mental health professional
  • an assessment to help decide on the best course of care

Alternatively, when life is tough the Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult.

Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance.

The bereavement care charity Cruse is helping families affected by coronavirus.

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