A new mental health resource has been released to help people cope with feelings of anxiety and loneliness during the lockdown that has come into force because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Supporting Good Mental Health from the Church of England includes daily reflections and tips to help those feeling isolated or worried, or who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
The booklet includes advice about simple Christian meditation techniques, and how to rest, eat and sleep well.
One tip to deal with stress encourages people to repeat simple prayers and light a candle if it is safe to do so.
Another suggests that people make a list of the people and good things they are missing during isolation and thanking God for them as a way to cope with loneliness.
Elsewhere, the booklet says that Bible quotes can be a useful aid to meditation, and that people can try writing them down to calm their fears.
It suggests choosing a verse or passage from the Bible for each week - like Psalm 18:1, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer" - and using it as a 'go to' thought in moments of anxiety.
To calm the mind before sleeping, the guide recommends repeating Psalm 4:8 - "I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety."
In additio to the mental health resource, the Church has published five tips for tackling loneliness and isolation, along with a printable version:
- Pray. Light a candle, if safe, and pray for hope, faith and strength to keep loving and caring for each other during this time of struggle.
- Talk about how you feel. This may be difficult if you are self-isolating, but do use the telephone, internet, and social media. If you need to contact a counsellor this can be arranged by your GP, or via local agencies, or privately. Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, every day, and it's free to call them on 116 123.
- Focus on the things that you can change, not on the things you can't.
- Look after yourself - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Plan in things that you enjoy at regular intervals during the day – a TV programme, a phone call, a book, a favourite dish, a game.
- Look after others. Even if only in small ways, but do what you can: a smile, a kind word, writing a letter or an email.
The Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle and the Church of England's lead bishop on health and social care, said: "I welcome publication of these further resources and reflections around mental health, which build on resources already made available by the Church of England nationally.
"For some time now the issues of loneliness and isolation have been identified as major problems within our society. The coronavirus pandemic will only create further challenges in this respect. So it is vital that we do all we can as a church to protect people's mental wellbeing.
"The reflections are beautifully presented and scripturally based, with the 'Have A Go' sections intentionally focussing on how people should be kind to themselves. That is so important at this time. My prayer is that as many people as possible are able to draw upon these new resources over the coming weeks and months."
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, visit the the Mental Health Foundation website or Samaritans for more help. The NHS also has helpful advice for mental wellbeing while self-isolating at home.
