Being Kind to Your Mind after COVID-19

Why did the pandemic increase mental health needs?

Since the pandemic there has been lots of research looking at how it has affected the nation’s physical and mental health, as well as social determinants of health such as education and employment.

This reveals that overall the pandemic has negatively impacted the population’s physical and mental health, and hampered access to care and support. In March 2022, one in three UK adults reported that their mental health had deteriorated because of the pandemic. This happened because the pandemic, and related factors like increased cost of living, increased exposure to risk factors that drive poor mental health such as poverty and loneliness. These impacts were often felt hardest by the most vulnerable, many people turned to risky habits like drugs and alcohol as they struggled to cope, and these factors fuelled further complexities like conflict in families.

In addition, when COVID-19 care was prioritised, delivery of other types of healthcare including mental health support became more difficult. Whilst this was necessary, it resulted in growing unmet need and without the right support people’s needs increased and services are still struggling to catch up.

The health in Liverpool 2040 report predicts that mental health needs will continue to increase unless we take action on mental health.

What can we do about it?

Be kind to yourself

If your or someone you know are struggling with mental health a really important thing to hold in mind is that you are not alone – everyone gets down sometimes, especially during difficult times.

Feeling flat?

Difficult or negative experiences can impact your mood and affect your mental wellbeing, and when you’re not yourself it can start to affect things that are important to us like our relationships and responsibilities. Many people suffer from low mood, worry and poor wellbeing to the extent that it impacts how they feel and function in day-to-day life.

Feeling down?

When things remain difficult it can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression which can make it seem impossible to do the things we normally can. As many as one in four people suffer from mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Be Kind to Your Mind

We can’t always control what goes on in our life or the challenges that come along, but we can choose how we respond and the steps we take to feel better and achieve a healthy mind.

Even though it’s not uncommon, living with poor mental health is still really difficult. It can be tempting to carry on trying to cope, lots of people worry that asking for help shows weakness or failure and that there are others who need the help more.

The reality is the sooner we recognise our struggle, open up and reach out for help the more likely it is that we can turn things around and start to feel better sooner.

Talk about it

The first step is to talk about how you feel and understand that those you trust or those who are there to help will want to help. Talking and being listened to is enough to make a big difference.

When we open up it doesn’t only help us, it sends a message to those around us that it’s ok to not be ok, it helps others to not feel shame or fear judgement, so they can ask for help when they need it too.

Simple steps make a big difference

There are lots of things that you can do by yourself or with those around you to feel better. View five ways to wellbeing that are some of the most effective ways to improve your mood.

Let’s help each other

The pandemic proved that people in Liverpool are always ready to support each other.

The most helpful thing we can do to improve mental health for ourselves and others is to reach out and be there for one-another.

Our relationships and connections to others through family, friends, community, study or work are the things that help us cope, make us feel better and keep us safe. A listening ear is one of the kindest and most supportive things you can offer to someone in need.

Feeling overwhelmed?

If your mental health isn’t improving, you’ve felt unable to cope for a while, and day to day life feels like a real struggle it’s ok to ask for help!
Remember if you’re worried about yourself or someone you know reach out, no-one needs to struggle alone, in Liverpool help is out there!

Help and support for your mental health and wellbeing

You can speak to your GP about your mental health and wellbeing. Other help is available from the agencies below.