Category: Covid-19
Using technology to support your mental health
We hear a lot about the downside of technology, and how we should try to spend less time on it. But the pros of technology have also become obvious.
Our need for connection and fun is still clear. Though at present, our usual routines have been disrupted and everything is a little bit out of sorts.
But we have to adapt to the way the world is now and reach out in ways that we can. We need to restructure how we do the things that help our mental health, and technology can help.
Jigsaw clinicians Vicky, Sarah, Valerija and Aoife discuss how they use technology to support their mental health during this time.
Practicing gratitude
Below, Alan talks about positive thinking and how you can practice gratitude.
Exercise, mental health and social distancing
Exercise is good for our physical and mental health. It has been really important to look after all aspects of our health during the pandemic.
For some of us, the word exercise can be off putting. However, it simply means to be active. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or taking part in competitive team sports.
We can view exercise as any activity that gets our body moving, increases our heart rate and breathing. Read more about how exercise can impact mental health.
However we choose to be active, it’s really important we remember to follow the guidelines on social distancing.
Webinar: My World Survey 2
We recently ran a webinar for teachers, who have taken our online courses.
The webinar was based on the key findings from My World Survey 2, Ireland’s largest national youth mental health study, conducted by UCD School of Psychology and Jigsaw.
This is a recording of the webinar, where the team focused on the data from second level students. They also looked at the risk and protective factors linked to the mental health of adolescents in secondary level schools.
The recording is made up of a 30 minute presentation, followed by a question and answer session with all the participants.
Speakers
Professor Barbara Dooley, School of Psychology, UCD
Associate Professor Amanda Fitzgerald, School of Psychology, UCD
Dr. Aileen O’ Reilly, Research Manager, Jigsaw
Coronavirus and mental health
During this global pandemic the recommendation is social distancing and staying safe. There is also a lot of focus on mental health.
Looking after your mental health is always important. But with Coronavirus spreading, we now face more and different challenges to our wellbeing.
Some of the stressors that we now face include:
- Uncertainty about the future
- Loss of routine
- Fear of catching Coronavirus
- Isolation from social distancing
- Losing loved ones
- Spread of misinformation
- Worry about the actions of others
- Boredom.
It’s unrealistic to think that the current situation won’t affect most of us in some way. We might be experiencing feelings of stress right now, or feel slightly numb or immune to it. However, the more we pay attention to our emotional and psychological needs the easier it will be to get through this turbulent time.
Keep what works
Minding our mental health does not mean we do lots of new stuff. We need to change the things that have worked previously to our new situation. Think about what helped your mental health before. Find ways to incorporate them into your new regime. Watch 5-a-day for mental health here.
Strategies for managing mental health can be adapted for now. Read more about:
Watch: Triple A for emotions
Sinead, Jigsaw clinician, talks about how you can support your difficult emotions and feelings right now by thinking of “Triple A”.
Watch: Managing cabin fever
Tom, Jigsaw clinician, talks about what we can do to manage cabin fever while we’re stuck at home.
Watch: Staying connected in current circumstances
Here Claire, Jigsaw Clinician, talks about connectivity and staying in touch during these new circumstances.
Watch: Social media use during the pandemic
In this video Linda suggests how we can use social media in a way that is less likely to negatively impact our mental health.