Mental health support

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having an impact on everyone’s daily lives, as the government and the NHS take necessary steps to manage the outbreak, reduce transmission and treat those who need medical attention.

It may be difficult, but by following government guidance, you are helping to protect yourself, your family, the NHS and your community.

During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. These are all common reactions to the difficult situation we face. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body.

Most people will find strategies that work for them and the difficult feelings associated with the outbreak will pass. Some people, especially those with pre-existing mental health problems, may need extra support.

If you’re feeling low please reach out and contact a friend or family member. You can also get in contact with some of the local support groups below.

Across Essex you can access support via local IAPT services (Improving Access to Psychological Services). Support can be carried out virtually face to face, over the phone, through webinars or guided self-help.

Visit your local service using the links below:

• Basildon and Brentwood
• Mid Essex (Braintree, Chelmsford and Maldon)
• South East Essex (Castle Point, Rochford and Southend)
• Thurrock
• North East Essex (Colchester and Tendring)
• West Essex (Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford)

Support for people with severe mental health issue getting a vaccination

PHE has developed a series of short videos on COVID-19 vaccination to support and encourage people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) to get their COVID-19 vaccines, and for promotion with GPs and healthcare professionals.

• Part 1: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness
• Part 2: Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness

Local support groups

You can also get in contact with other local support groups:

COVID wellbeing service

Whether you are personally struggling with COVID-19 recovery, or you are experiencing changes in mood as the result of the lockdowns and changing circumstances, COVID wellbeing service has a video support path for you. Learn tools and techniques to help you better manage the challenges you may be facing from qualified NHS therapists and psychologists.

Mind

• Mid and North Essex Mind  
• South East and Central Essex Mind 
• West Essex Mind

Essex County Council

Livewell

The Livewell website has lots of information on Bereavement support.

Here are some useful guides from mental health support charities

A guide for people with Severe Mental Illness and their carers on what to expect from the COVID-19 vaccination programme

Information and advice from Rethink Mental Illness on the COVID-19 vaccination for people living with Severe Mental Illness

Information from Mind in the COVID-19 vaccination and mental health