Caring for mental health during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just a physical health issue, but also a mental health issue and will require special attention from all of us.

We are clearly in unprecedented times; with 24-hour media messaging; various - often divergent - views on social media; working in isolation; managing work alongside caring responsibilities; a fast-moving environment; an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. In situations like this it is common to experience heightened stress and anxiety.

The sudden move to remote work brings its own challenges from a mental health perspective, including feelings of isolation and loneliness through a lack of face-to-face collaboration, as well as unclear boundaries between work and personal time.

Many people need to juggle priorities in a new way - caring for themselves while also caring for children who are home from school and potentially caring for others.

Leaders must do all their best to help manage such situations. They need to demonstrate compassion and make time for their people when they need it.

Here is a guide that has been developed to support leaders and teams during this time of uncertainty in order to strengthen mental resilience and care for each other.

Looking after yourself

It is important that, first of all, you take care of your own well-being. Only then will you be able to care for others as well. Here are some steps you need to take:

1.    keep up your physical strength;

2.    stay connected to people;

3.    strive for the right balance;

4.    work on your mental health.

Looking after colleagues

COVID-19 comes with unique challenges for everyone and for every organization. The inability to control a situation can create a major source of anxiety and can add to stress levels.

Learn here more details about ways to take care of yourselves and of your teams