mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Children and young people who care for others
Some children and young people may also have existing caring responsibilities
for adults or siblings. They may be anxious about what will happen if the
person they care for becomes unwell, or what will happen if they themselves
become unwell and are unable to support the person they care for. Even if they
don’t currently act as a carer, it is possible that they may become one if
they are in a household with one adult.
Planning with your child or young person what will happen if you or another
member of the family they care for or may need to care for becomes unwell,
including contact details for others who can step in and support them, will
help to reduce anxiety.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Children or young people with physical health issues
Children or young people with long term physical health issues, such as those
who need continuous use of a breathing machine or are confined to a wheelchair
or bed, may have stronger reactions to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
They might have more intense distress, worry or anger than children without
these issues because they have less control over day-to-day wellbeing than
other people. Support them by listening to their concerns, providing open and
honest explanations about the situation, and giving them information about
what is being done to protect them.
You may also be concerned about how you will continue their care if you have
to stay at home, or you may be worried about infecting them. If you usually
have support in your home, check with your local authority or care provider
what alternative arrangements are in place. Make sure it is clear if support
is still needed for your child or young person.
For further information about the conditions that put children and young
people at increased risk please see the guidance on shielding and protecting
people defined on medical grounds as extremely
vulnerable.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Experiencing grief or bereavement
Whenever it happens, experiencing the loss of a friend or loved one can be an
extremely difficult and challenging time. Children and young people may not be
able to say goodbye in the way they would have wanted and it may be harder to
connect with their usual support networks.
Grief affects children and young people in different ways depending on their
age, their level of understanding, and the changes the death means for their
daily life. They often feel waves of powerful emotions such as sadness, guilt,
shock and anger, which they may struggle to express. It is very common for
their behaviour to change and for them to worry a lot about other people.
It can be challenging to support a child when you are grieving yourself.
Listening carefully, answering questions honestly in an age appropriate way,
continuing routines where possible, and providing lots of love and support
will help. The NHS has advice about grief and the support
available, and the Childhood Bereavement
Network has information and links to national and local support
organisations.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Autistic children and young people
Autistic children and young people may struggle to identify any physical
symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as having difficulty talking about
the emotions the situation will create. Keep an eye out for changes in
behaviour which may help you to identify their emotional state, as well as
physical symptoms.
There is going to be disruption for all of us during the pandemic, for example
it will not be possible to follow normal routines, or visit older family
members. If your child or young person becomes ill, they may struggle to
manage the physical experience. You can help to manage these changes using any
strategies that you know work for your family, or see sources of further
advice and support at the bottom of this section.
It is important to be honest when communicating with your child or young
person about the changing situation, measures they can take to stay safe, and
the symptoms of the virus. Try to avoid giving definitive statements about the
future - this is a rapidly developing situation and your child or young person
may be more distressed if things change when they were told they would not.
Keep up to date with official information about coronavirus
(COVID-19).
You should continue to access support of local autism groups online or via
phone. The National Autistic Society guidance on managing
anxiety might also be
helpful - you can call the Autism
Helpline on
0808 800 4104 for further advice.
If your child or young person has a specific health condition that requires
them to leave the house to maintain their
health - including if that involves travel beyond your local area
- then you can if safe to do so. For example, if your child or young person
requires specific exercise in an open space 2 or 3 times each day. This should
ideally be in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional. Even
in such cases, in order to reduce the spread of infection and protect those
exercising, travel outside of the home should be limited, as close to your
local area as possible, and you should remain at least 2 metres apart from
anyone who is not a member of your household or a carer at all times.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Where to get further support
If you are worried about your or your child or young person’s symptoms, see
the NHS website. If you
have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
If you are worried about your child or young person’s mental health, seek help
from a professional. You may have services attached to your child or young
person’s school or college who can help. You could also contact your GP, or
look up information on children and young people’s mental health services on
your local CCG website or on the NHS website.
In a medical emergency call 999. This phone line should
be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. A
mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical health
emergency and is a situation where your child or young person requires
immediate professional care. For more advice on where to get support for a
mental health crisis please see this NHS page.
If you do not feel safe at home there is help and support available to you and
your family. The household isolation instruction as a result of coronavirus
does not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.
Abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you or others
are under. If you or others are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the
police - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.
The Home Office has produced guidance on further support available during the
coronavirus pandemic for those who
feel at risk of abuse, and to help perpetrators to change their behaviours.
[GP]: general practitioner
  [CCG]: Clinical Commissioning Group
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Children and young people who are accessing mental health services
Identify how the support your child or young person normally receives can be maintained
Ask about having appointments by phone, text or online, and how their health
professional can offer extra support if your child or young person needs it.
If you usually have support in your home, check with your local authority or
care provider what alternative arrangements are in place. Make sure it is
clear if support is still needed for your child or young person.
If your child or young person has been admitted to an inpatient mental health
unit, talk to the staff about their policies on access to mobile phones and
think about how you can stay in contact, particularly if you have to stay at
home. Ask the unit if you could participate in a virtual ward round to keep in
touch with your child or young person’s mental health team. If you need to
stay at home this will also impact on whether your child or young person can
come home on leave, so talk to your child or young person about what might
happen so they are fully informed.
If your child or young person becomes affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) they
will need to be cared for appropriately, so talk to the unit about what plans
are in place should this happen and how best to communicate these to your
child or young person.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Bullying
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may lead to some individuals experiencing
bullying, discrimination or harassment, for example due to their ethnicity or
nationality, or perceived illness. It is important to check that your children
and young people are not experiencing bullying or bullying others.
Remind your children and young people that everyone deserves to be safe
wherever they are - including online and at home. Bullying is always wrong,
and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other. If
they have been called names or bullied, they should feel comfortable telling
an adult whom they trust.
For more help and advice resources, please see the Anti-Bullying Alliance
website.
Guidance Guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
For support as a parent or carer
Young Minds for Parents and Carers
Young Minds provides advice about mental health
and behaviour problems in children and young people up to the age of 25. You
can call the Parents’ and Carers’ Helpline on 0808 802 5544. Please be aware Young
Minds do not provide any direct psychological services and cannot make
referrals to the NHS or Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services
(CYPMHS).
Helplines and websites for your child and or young person
If your child or young person would like to speak to someone anonymously, they
could try calling a helpline or visiting websites such as ChildLine and The
Mix.
Shout provides free, confidential support,
24/7 via text for anyone at crisis anytime, anywhere.
You can:

text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
text with someone who is trained and will provide active listening and collaborative problem-solving

ChildLine provides a helpline
for any child with a problem. It comforts, advises and protects.
You can:

call 0800 1111 any time for free
have an online chat with a counsellor
check out the message boards

The Mix provides a free confidential helpline and
online service that aims to find young people the best help, whatever the
problem.
You can:

call 0808 808 4994 for free – lines are open from 11am to 11pm every day
access the online community
email The Mix
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Additional advice for groups with specific mental health needs
Managing panic and anxiety
If you have panic attacks or flashbacks, it might help to plan a ‘safe space’
in your home that you’ll go to.
You can also find ways to comfort yourself if you’re feeling anxious. For
example, Mind has games and puzzles you can use to distract
yourself, and breathing exercises which may help.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Additional advice for groups with specific mental health needs
Existing mental health problems
If you already have a mental health problem, then you may be finding the
coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak particularly challenging. The advice above
should help, but here are a few extra things that you may want to think about.
This advice is part of comprehensive
guidance provided by Mind.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Autistic people
You may be finding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak stressful and be
worried about getting the virus or changes that might happen because of it,
including having to stay at home. There are ways you can take care of yourself
and prevent spreading the virus:
Understand what is happening
Keep up to date with information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) from sources you
can trust, such as the NHS
website.
Help to stop the virus from spreading
There are 4 easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting coronavirus
or spreading it to others:

wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
use a tissue for coughs and sneezes and bin it
avoid touching your face, including your mouth and eyes
get up to date information about staying at home or what to do if you feel unwell on the NHS 111 website. If you are unsure about your symptoms speak to someone you trust about them, like a support worker

Plan to keep mentally well
Do the things you would usually do to keep well, like eating food you enjoy
and taking exercise, once a day outside if you can. If you have support from
others, plan with them how you can remain well and relaxed. There are also
other things you can do to help to manage your emotions if you feel you are
losing control, such as:

keeping a diary
using apps like Brain in Hand
learning relaxation techniques
creating a plan with your carer for when you feeling anxiety

You know what strategies have helped in the past, so use them again now. The
National Autistic Society guidance on managing
anxiety might also be
helpful.
Get help if you are struggling
Hearing about coronavirus (COVID-19), and the changes it causes in your daily
life, might make you feel like you don’t have control, or make you worried or
scared about your health. These feelings are common. Try to speak to someone
you trust such as a friend, family member or supporter.
If you do become unwell and need medical treatment, share your hospital
passport or autism diagnosis so staff know the best way to support you.
If you are still feeling worried and want more help. You can call the Autism
Helpline on
0808 800 4104.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Staying at home
Practical issues
Recent guidance is clear about the need for people to stay at
home. If you are feeling anxious it might
help to think about potential challenges and make a plan for them.
Supplies: Think about how you can get any supplies you need – either from
a neighbour, family friends or a delivery service so you don’t worry about
running out. Try to pick healthy food, especially as you might not get as much
exercise as normal.
Financial concerns: You may be worried about work and money if you have to
stay home – these issues can have a big impact on your mental health. For
guidance on what your rights are at work, what benefits you are entitled and
what further support is available please see our guidance for
employees or advice from
citizens advice or the National Debt
line.
If you care for other people: You may be worried about how to ensure care
for those who rely on you – either your dependants at home or others that you
regularly visit. Let your local authority know if you provide care, or support someone you don’t live with.
Further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers
UK.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Additional advice for groups with specific mental health needs
Managing feelings of being trapped or claustrophobia
You are probably spending more time than usual at home so try to get outside
if you can, once a day. You could also open the windows to let in fresh air,
find a place to sit with a view outside, or sit on your doorstep or in your
garden if you have one. It can also help to regularly change the rooms you
spend time in (if possible). This can help to give you a sense of space.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Additional advice for groups with specific mental health needs
If you are reducing your drinking significantly
If you are reducing your drinking, remember it can be dangerous to stop too
quickly without proper support. If you have physical withdrawal symptoms (like
shaking, sweating or feeling anxious until you have your first drink of the
day) you should seek medical advice. For further advice available in your area
(including remote services) see NHS
advice.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Additional advice for groups with specific mental health needs
Managing difficult feelings or behaviours to do with hygiene, washing or fears of infection
Some mental health problems can cause difficult feelings or behaviours to do
with washing or hygiene. If you experience this, you might find it hard to
hear advice about washing your hands.
It is important to follow government advice on helping to avoid the spread of
coronavirus (COVID-19), but if you find you are going beyond the
recommendations, if this is making you feel stressed or anxious, or if you are
having intrusive thoughts here are some things you could try:

don’t keep re-reading the same advice if this is unhelpful for you
let other people know you’re struggling, for example, you could ask them not to discuss the news with you
breathing exercises can help you cope and feel more in control. You can find a simple breathing exercise on the NHS website and Mind’s pages on relaxation have some relaxation tips and exercises you can try
set limits, like washing your hands for the recommended 20 seconds
plan something to do after washing your hands, which could help distract you and change your focus
it could also help to read some of Mind’s tips in their information on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dealing with a mental health crisis or emergency
You may find that the added stress of the current situation could have a big
impact on your mental health. In some cases, you may feel that you are having
a mental health crisis as you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of
your situation.
You may: feel great emotional distress or anxiety, feel that you cannot cope
with day-to-day life or work, think about self-harm or even suicide, or
experience or hear voices (hallucinations).
If this sort of situation happens, you should get immediate expert assessment
and advice to identify the best course of action:


if you have already been given a Crisis Line number from a health professional, please call it


if you’re under the care of a mental health team and have a specific care plan that states who to contact when you need urgent care, follow this plan


Mind also provides information about how to plan for a crisis


Samaritans has a free to call service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. Call them on 116 123


find local crisis support services near you that can support you


you can contact NHS 111 if you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening


in a medical emergency, call 999 if you are seriously ill or injured and your life is at risk. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical health emergency


See further advice from the NHS on dealing with a mental health
crisis.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Older people
Government
guidance is that older people are at increased
risk of severe illness and need to be particularly stringent in following
social distancing measures and staying at home. Given this, it is natural for
older people, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, to feel
concerned or affected by changes you have to make to your daily life. The
following suggestions may help with any difficult feelings and look after your
mental health:
Stay connected
Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other
networks. Try to stay in touch with those around you, this might be over the
phone, by post, or online. If you have been advised to stay at home, let
people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your
routine.
Get practical help
If you need help, for example with shopping or running errands, ask for it and
let those around you know what they can do. If you need help but you’re not
sure who to contact, Age UK runs an advice
line (0800 678 1602 –
lines are open every day, 8am to 7pm) that can put you in touch with local
services.
Guidance Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Staying at home
If you are being treated or taking medication for existing conditions
Recent guidance is clear about the need for people to stay at
home. If you are feeling anxious it might
help to think about potential challenges and make a plan for them.
Continue accessing treatment and support where possible: Let relevant
services know that you are staying at home, and work out how to continue
receiving support during this time:


ask about having appointments by phone, text or online. For example, this could be with your counsellor, therapist or support worker, nurse, care worker or befriender


if you use care services that will be affected by staying at home, you should let your local authority and care provider know so alternative arrangements can be put in place


make it clear if any support is still needed. Tell them that alternative arrangements are required if any of the usual support can’t continue. This may include things like carers visiting, day centre sessions, or friends and family coming over to help


Keep taking your medication: You might be able to order repeat
prescriptions by phone, or online using an app or website if your doctor’s
surgery offers this.


ask your pharmacy about getting your medication delivered or think about who you could ask to collect it for you. The NHS website has more information about getting prescriptions for someone else and checking if you have to pay for prescriptions


continue to order your repeat prescriptions in your usual timeframe. There is no need to order for a longer duration or larger quantities


your GP practice (or clinical team) may move your prescriptions to repeat dispensing arrangements so you only have to contact your pharmacy to get a repeat of your medicine rather than your practice


be careful about buying medication online. You should only buy from registered pharmacies. You can check if a pharmacy is registered on the General Pharmaceutical Council website


you can contact NHS 111 in England if you’re worried about accessing medication


*[GP]: general practitioner