Coronavirus: Prince William and Kate Middleton urge Britons to look after their mental health amid outbreak
‘The last few weeks have been anxious and unsettling for everyone,’ says royal couple
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have urged Britons to look after their mental health amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The royal couple have given their support to new advice released by Public Health England (PHE) on wellbeing during the pandemic.
The guidelines, which were developed by mental health charities and have been clinically assured by the NHS, advise people to make the most of digital technologies and social media in order to stay in touch with friends and family, and to stick to a regular sleep pattern where possible.
PHE also suggests taking up a new hobby, which it says will help combat low mood and anxiety during isolation.
The guidelines also include advice and support for those already living with mental illness and directs them towards accessing professional help.
Maintaining physical wellbeing is important, too, the guidance adds, suggesting exercising at home, eating healthy meals, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol.
PHE has said that NHS mental health providers are working to create 24/7 helplines to support those who might be struggling.
Commenting on the guidelines, Prince William and Kate Middleton said: “The last few weeks have been anxious and unsettling for everyone.
“We have to take time to support each other and find ways to look after our mental health.”
The couple added that is has been positive to see the measures put in place by those in the mental health sector thus far to ensure people are taking care of their mental wellbeing.
“By pulling together and taking simple steps each day, we can all be better prepared for the times ahead,” they added.
Mental health minister Nadine Dorries, who was diagnosed with Covid-19 earlier this month, has also announced that the government will be providing leading mental health charities will an additional £5m in funding to help them expand their services.
“When I discovered I had coronavirus I felt anxious and scared,” said Ms Dorries.
“For those who already suffer with anxiety or other mental health issues this may present new and difficult challenges.
“It’s imperative that we stay home if we are to beat coronavirus and save lives.
“I know how important it is that people have support to look after their mental health and this guidance will be of huge value.”
You can read the PHE guidelines in full here.
If you have been affected by any issues mentioned in this article, you can contact The Samaritans for free on 116 123 or any of the following mental health organisations:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments