Mental Health Support

Mental Health Support

The physical injuries sustained in an accident can take months, if not years, to heal but more often it is the psychological trauma which can leave long-lasting implications.

After sustaining an injury, clients can be left with mental health issues and in some cases are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms can be amplified by events that are beyond the client’s control such as the pandemic. However, there is support available for anyone suffering from mental health issues.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Mental Health Minister, Nadine Dorries announced online support and practical guidance to help people following the pandemic. Public Health England published guidance to help those struggling.

Maintain contact with friends and family via telephone and video calls, or social media
Keep a regular routine and sleeping pattern
Focus on a hobby or learning something new

Nadine Dorries said: “When I discovered I had Coronavirus I felt anxious and scared. For those who already suffer with anxiety or other mental health issues this may present new and difficult challenges.

MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING

The government also announced a £5 million grant for leading mental health charities, administered by Mind, to fund additional services for people struggling with their mental well-being. This could include telephone and online support services for the most isolated and vulnerable.

Public Health England also updated its Every Mind Matters platform with specific advice on maintaining good mental well-being.

Mental health charity YoungMinds carried out a survey with 2,111 young people with a history of mental health needs between Friday 20th March, the day on which schools closed to most students, and Wednesday 25th March, when further restrictive measures had been put in place.

When asked to share how different activities affected their mental health, respondents reported that face-to-face calls with friends (72%), watching TV/films (72%), exercise (60%) and learning new skills (59%) were helpful for their mental health during this time. A further 66% of respondents agreed that watching or reading the news was unhelpful for their mental health.

These activities can also be applied to those already out of work due to psychological trauma following their accident.