Update from Rethink Mental Illness – 28 April 2020
Clic is a new online support community that anyone in the UK can access 24/7 for free mental health support. It includes an online forum where you can chat about how you’re feeling and connect with others, as well as accessing mental health information tools, tips and resources. To ensure everyone’s safety and security the site is moderated 24 hours a day.
Clic is run by Mental Health UK, of which we are one of the founding charities.
To mark the launch of the new site, there will be a live chat this afternoon (Tuesday 28 April) at 3pm about mental health and coronavirus for Clic members. Come along to ask your questions and get helpful tips about managing your mental health during lockdown.
Sharing your experiences
Last week we asked you to tell us about your experiences of mental illness during the ongoing pandemic. Hundreds of you have already filled out our survey and told us what it is really like to live with a mental illness, or care for someone who does, at the current time. For example, 47% of people said that their mental health had become worse because they are now receiving less support from mental health services.
We know that the situation is constantly changing, so we want to make sure as many voices are included as possible. Our survey remains open so if If you haven’t yet, please fill it out now.
Photo of the week
Kathleen shared this stunning mosaic she created showing Tobermoroy on the Isle of Mull. She started this artwork at an art group before lockdown and then finished it at home.
Your tips
“I like to make a gratitude list at the end of each day to remind myself of the things I have to be thankful for. That could be talking to a friend, or eating something I enjoy”
– Kate
“I am finding fiction to be a really good form of escape at the moment. We’ve set up a mini ‘library’ at the end of our street where anyone can take or leave a book – making sure to follow rules about social distancing.”
– Elle
“I’ve arranged to talk to some of my friends and family at the same time every week. For example, I call my sister at 5pm each Saturday. This helps me have some structure to my week as well as giving me something to look forward to”
– Mike
Miles for mental health
Stay safe, get some exercise and help raise money for vital services. Join our miles for mental health challenge and run, jog or walk a marathon over the course of a month while socially distancing.
Almost a hundred people have already signed up and we would love for you to get involved too.
Sign up today, and send us your photos of you clocking up the miles for mental health – whether you’re running in your garden, around your living room or while exercising outside.