How coronavirus is affecting mental health - what is Sheffield doing and what more can we do?

The Mental Health Foundation - which provides mental health support to people in the UK - believe it is important to stay informed but equally important to manage our well-being.

The charity has provided some tips on their website on how we can manage our mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

It says: “Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control.”

The Mental Health Foundation adds that we should try and keep in touch with friends and family.

At the University of Sheffield, students have been encouraged to ‘continue to support their friends and peers at this time’.

And employers in the city have encouraged staff to keep in regular contact despite working from home.

The Mental Health Foundation also advises of how people can protect their mental health by managing their media consumption - for those who may be most vulnerable, it may be sensible to reduce their media exposure.

“It is normal to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or a mental health problem in the past, or if you have a long term physical health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus.”

For more information, see: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak