Last published 26 March 2021
The last year has been a challenging one for us all. Whether you’ve been spending more time at home, going to work as an essential worker or home schooling your children, COVID-19 has led to a huge change in the way we're able to lead our lives. After so many months of restrictions, you might be struggling with boredom or loneliness or be stressed about your job and finances. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Good Thinking has been working with The Speakers Collective to produce a mini-series that explores how the last 12 months have affected people with lived experience of mental health. The videos share a range of lived experience and provide advice and suggestions that might help you or people you know. Please feel free to share the video links.
Ben Jones, trainee psychotherapist and member of The Speakers Collective, talks about how he has been looking after his mental health throughout lockdown.
Useful resources:
Five ways to good mental wellbeing (article)
Help to cut back alcohol use (overview & link)
Danny Rahim, actor, mental health ambassador and member of The Speakers Collective, discusses how he has been going on walks to take time away from the screen, as well as connecting with friends and family.
Useful resources:
Screen time during COVID-19: Getting the balance right (article)
Supporting a healthy screen/life balance during the pandemic (podcast)
We hear how Dave Chawner, stand-up comic, author, presenter and member of The Speakers Collective, has been looking after his mental health during lockdown.
Useful resources:
Q&A: Eating disorders (article)
Denise Stephenson, founder of Reach Out 2 Kids and member of The Speakers Collective, talks about how her faith has been a source of comfort and support during lockdown.
Useful resources:
Why a micropause can help your mental health today (podcast)
Ella Dove, journalist, author, trustee of the Limbless Association and member of The Speakers Collective, shares her story of living with PTSD and how she practices self-care.
Useful resources:
Why a micropause can help your mental health today (podcast)
We hear from Emi Howe, member of The Speakers Collective, about her experience of grief and where she has sought comfort during lockdown.
Useful resources:
How to cope with bereavement and grief (article)
Harry Corin, member of The Speakers Collective, talks about his journey to finding mental health support.
Useful resources:
Henry Johnstone, therapist and member of The Speakers Collective, shares some ideas for how you can practice self-care.
Useful resources:
How to connect with nature to boost your wellbeing (article)
Groundhog Day: Five tips to help you overcome pandemic fatigue (article)
John Allison, founder of Motion to Mind and member of The Speakers Collective, talks about energy and the things we can do to generate more of it.
Useful resources:
How to connect with nature to boost your wellbeing (article)
Behavioural Activation Worksheet
How to overcome your fears about the easing of lockdown (article)
Mental health campaigner, film producer, public speaker, writer, vlogger and member of The Speakers Collective, Jonny Benjamin MBE, talks about his experience of lockdown and how he’s been making time to get away from screens and practice self-care.
Useful resources:
Supporting a healthy screen/life balance during the pandemic (podcast)
Jonny Jacobs, Finance Director at Starbucks, trustee of The Mental Health Foundation and member of The Speakers Collective, shares his thoughts on workplace wellbeing.
Useful resources:
Lauren Silver is an award-winning actor and jolly-anxious clown. She is also a member of The Speakers Collective. Here, she provides some tips to help you focus when you feel anxious.
Useful resources:
Managing your Worries Workbook
The coronavirus for those with OCD can be particularly challenging (podcast)
Lauren Silver is an award-winning actor and jolly-anxious clown. She is also a member of The Speakers Collective. Here, she provides some tips on using routine to improve your wellbeing.
Useful resources:
Lauren Silver is an award-winning actor and jolly-anxious clown. She is also a member of The Speakers Collective. Here, she provides some tips on coping with stress and anxiety.
Useful resources:
Groundhog Day: Five tips to help you overcome pandemic fatigue (article)
Rachel Kelly, writer, public speaker, mental health campaigner and member of The Speakers Collective, shares her experience of lockdown and talks about how she has been managing her anxiety and depression.
Useful resources:
We hear from Rupert Eyles, member of The Speakers Collective, who explains how he has used mindfulness to create a self-care routine to help manage his anxiety.
Useful resources:
In this video we hear from Sarwat Tasneem, member of The Speakers Collective, sharing her journey to find mental health support.
Useful resources:
Why a micropause can help your mental health today (podcast)
Five ways to good mental wellbeing (article)
How to connect with nature to boost your wellbeing (article)
Steve Loft, mental health campaigner and member of The Speakers Collective, shares how his anxiety led to him taking a significant period of time off work and how important finding the right support and information was to getting the help he needed.
Useful resources:
Juliette Burton, comedian, writer and member of The Speakers Collective, shares her mental health journey and explains how her support network has helped, particularly during lockdown.
Useful resources:
Finlay Games, Youtuber, speaker, author, coach and mentor of The Speakers Collective, describes how he builds flexibility and self-care into his routine to look after his mental health.
Useful resources:
We hear how Sanisha Wynter, Time to Change champion, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant and member of The Speakers Collective, has been coping through lockdown.
Useful resources:
Dealing with low mood (apps and advice)
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