FRIDAY, 5 FEBRUARY, 2021

Immediate release:

Young people encouraged to take care of their emotional wellbeing during lockdown

Young people in Tayside who may be struggling with their feelings during lockdown are being encouraged to take care of their emotional wellbeing.

With lockdown restrictions in place and schools currently using remote learning, some young people may feel more isolated and anxious than usual.

Diane Caldwell, Clinical Care Group Manager for NHS Tayside’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) said, “Coronavirus is affecting all our lives and things keep changing all the time which can be really hard to deal with.

“Lots of change and uncertainty can feel really stressful but it is important for young people to realise they are not alone in feeling this way.

“Using positive coping strategies can help you deal with these feelings and help to improve your mental wellbeing.”

Brook Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of Feeling Strong, Dundee’s youth mental health charity, said, “We have seen firsthand how much young people have struggled in these difficult times, and how much that has impacted every area of their lives, from education to work to relationships. What’s important to remember is that help is out there if you need it.

“Self-help and coping strategies are just one part of looking after ourselves – the NHS and local organisations, including Feeling Strong, offer a range of services which can support young people with their mental health and wellbeing. It’s also our responsibility to look out for each other. If you can tell someone is struggling then talk to them, it could make a huge difference.”

There are some tips that young people can follow to help improve their wellbeing during the pandemic:

• Look after yourself – It’s okay to feel however you feel. Be kind and caring to yourself, your feelings are real and valid. Visit YoungMinds charity for advice and guidance on where you can get support for your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Sleep – A good night’s sleep is really important for your mental health. Get into a good sleep routine. You can view the CAMHS guide to sleep on the CAMHS website

• Exercise – Exercise doesn’t mean running a marathon, it just means doing something active to increase your heart rate and get your body moving. Get out Get Active (GOGA) Dundee have some great free online classes to try at www.facebook.com/gogatayside/

• Talk to people – Talk to someone you trust and tell them how you are feeling. Let them know what you need and what would help you feel better.

• Get support if and when you need it – We all need support sometimes. Support is available locally through your GP, your school, school nurse and online resources.

Support services for young people:

• Cool2Talk – This is a confidential place offering a 1-2-1 counselling service for young people aged between 12 and 26 to freely ask questions about things that are affecting them. Visit https://cool2talk.org/

• Childline on 0800 1111or visit www.childline.org.uk/

• Feeling Strong – Dundee’s Youth Mental Health Charity. Visit www.feelingstrong.co.uk/

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138