We wanted to do this topic as we believe Mental Health and Wellbeing is particularly important at any point in time. However, with the current situation with the Coronavirus Pandemic, Mental Health and Wellbeing is even more crucial. We are also very fortunate to have another guest feature: Chantelle Newell – Counsellor and Mediator (Item number 6)….
Please see: Mental health and Grief – Mental Health awareness Week 2020 – Guest Feature: Chantelle Newell BSc: Counsellor and Mediator which covers:
- Introduction/Our Story
- Illustrative Examples: Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
- Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
- YouTube Videos – Mental Health Week 2020
- Casper Lee #LookingForward Charity Campaign
- Guest Feature: Chantelle Newell BSc: Counsellor and Mediator
- Illustrative Examples: Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Help for people with Mental Health
- Illustrative Examples: Grief and Mental Health
- Grief and Mental Health
- Illustrative Examples: Coronavirus and Mental Health
- Coronavirus and Mental Health
- Supporting Parents and Children through the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Useful Links
- Our Final Thoughts and YouTube Video
© Copyright 2019 Grief Probate Journey Blog *PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IS SOURCED FROM UK and AMERICAN WEBSITES* It is also based on our own experience. *We are not experts in this field, we are speaking purely on our own experience with information sought from the internet to give further examples. *
1. Introduction/Our Story
We wanted to do this topic as we believe Mental Health and Wellbeing is particularly important at any point in time. However, with the current situation with the Coronavirus Pandemic, Mental Health and Wellbeing is even more crucial.
We are also very fortunate to have another guest feature: Chantelle Newell – Counsellor and Mediator (Item number 6). This will now be our fourth guest which we are extremely happy about. Chantelle is a qualified counsellor and mediator who has decided to step out in faith and practice. We have also provided Chantelle’s contact details for further information.
This all became possible because a friend of ours so kindly thought of us, as she has a friend (Chantelle Newell) who is a qualified Counsellor, starting up her business. Our friend felt it would be a good idea for us to connect in case we could do something together. Straight away as I was having the conversation I was thinking this would work perfectly for our topic this week. Exchange of details were made, we connected with eachother and made this collaboration take place.
We are so grateful to our friend that made this possible, and we are very excited about this collaboration.
We are also very grateful to those who share our posts when we publish them, and to those who share/recommend our blog with people who they feel it will be useful too. We truly appreciate these things, as well as the likes, follows, shares, interaction and engagement within our social media platform communicaties (as well as within WordPress where the blog is hosted), it helps to validate our decision to do this, and gives us a sense of fulfilment of our aim of trying to help people and trying to make a difference.
When we first made the decision to do a topic on Mental health titled: Counselling/Health and Wellbeing, it was because we wanted to share our experience of having gone through Counselling ourselves, the reasons why we chose to seek counselling, and how it benefited us.
Life at the best of times can be:
- Challenging
- Overwhelming
- Confusing
- Daunting
However, it can also be:
- Rewarding
- Exciting
Right now with the Coronavirus Pandemic life could feel
- Unpredicable
- Unknown
- Rediscovering -yourself, old joys, new talents
In these situations or circumstances, mental frame of mind and wellbeing should always be considered. We do understand that speaking openly about these matter might not be very easy, you might feel quite uncomfortable to do so.
For my sister and I, since our Dad passed away, we continue to feel many feelings and emotions, good and bad. These feelings can come on when we least expect it, it’s almost as though they come in dips and flows. Because of this, we have had counselling at various times throughout our journey.
Most recently we both started counselling just before the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown came into place. My sister was in counselling for Bereavement, I had wanted to do this as well, but the spaces were full, instead, I was guided to towards rolling workshops that focus on different areas each week, for example:
- Emotions
- Healthy Relationships
- Anxiety and Panic
Due to the lockdown, both of our face to face sessions had to be suspended. Fortunately for me, the sessions now take place online and I can access them every week. I have two sessions of counselling, my rolling workshops which are now online, and telephone counselling to help me to try and deal with my anxiety issues.
In my telephone counselling sessions, one of my tasks is to have designated worry time. The idea is that I write down my worries and allocate time each day to go through them. During worry time you must not have any distractions, you need to be focused at that moment. When that worry time is over, get rid of the list. If I think of any more worries, write them down and use them for worry time the next day. Also, once the worry time is over, you should choose something to do to be back in the moment. Something that is not related to your worries. Once worry time is over, so too are the worries that you had written down, I think this is why it is advised you get rid of the list. Another example could be keeping a worry diary.
I have been doing worry time for a week and although I did struggle with finding a time to do this every day (it is advised you try to do it the same time each day) when I was able to fit it in, I did find it useful, it is taking some getting used to, but I can see the benefit of it. It helps to put your worries into perspective, and if you only focus on worries during worry time, your day can be focused around other things. Which can give you a better chance of having a more productive day.
Tanya can’t talk much about her bereavement therapy as it’s a group session but a couple of things she found was that the first session was very upsetting hearing what some of the group have gone through and are still going through. The other significant thing she found was that she felt a lot of connection with everyone even with the different circumstances that had brought them all there. Unfortunately the meetings as with everything had to be cancelled. Tanya isn’t sure what will happen next in terms of the meetings commencing again.
There are many different levels, there are many different types of conditions that come under the bracket of Mental Health. Our hope is that this topic contributes to highlighting the importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing, we also hope that it might be of use to at least someone.
Please see: Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 -Guest Feature: Chantelle Newell: Counsellor and Mediator
2. Illustrative Examples: Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
3. Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
3.1 What is the purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week?
“Mental Health Awareness Week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help”.
3.2 What is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2020?
“Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme is ‘kindness’. We want to use the week to celebrate the thousands of acts of kindness that are so important to our mental health”.
3.3 Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 – National Awareness Days
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020.
3.4 Mental Health Calendar 2020 – Dates For Your Diary “Calendar of national health and wellbeing campaigns table for 2020 to 2021 … Mental Health Awareness Week is all about raising awareness and … National Cholesterol Month is devoted to raising funds for Heart UK.”
3.5 Mental Health Awareness Week|Healthwatch “Monday 18th May, 2020 – 0:00 to Sunday 24th May, 2020 – 23:45 … people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Mental Health Awareness Week aims to get people talking about their mental health”
3.6 Mental Health Awareness Week
“Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020”.
3.7 Mental Health Week 2020 16th – 22nd May
“Information on Mental Health Week, a United Kingdom week event which runs … For example, one years theme, Anxiety Aware ,focused on raising awareness”.
3.8 Mental Health Awareness Week – Flexmind
“Sleep was chosen as the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 … which the event has grown to engage millions of people across the UK and globally”.
3.9 Mental Health Week |Oh Well BeingOh Well Being
“Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems”.
4. YouTube Videos – Mental Health Week 2020
4.1 Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
“It’s Mental Health Awareness Week (18th-24th May), and it’s a chance for all of us to show kindness and challenge stigma. Right now it’s more important than ever that we are all there for each other and we encourage people to talk about mental health, ask for help and check in with friends, family and colleagues”.
4.2 Try to take care of your mental health – Samaritans
“Government guidance to stay at home over the next few weeks means that we won’t have the social contact that some of us are used to, and in some cases, if you live alone or are in self-isolation, it will mean we’re cut off from all contact for quite some time. It’s normal that this will affect your mood, and it’s something we’d really encourage you to talk about, however, you can, via video messaging, over the phone, texting or over the garden fence. Whilst we are physically isolated, it’s more important than ever for us to feel socially connected, so try and reach out to people to talk, and try to be there to listen to others”.
“Whoever you are, whatever you’re facing, we’re here to listen. Contact Samaritans free- day or night, 365 days a year”.
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Find out about Samaritans: http://www.samaritans.org _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
For more videos subscribe here: https://goo.gl/74SsDD
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritansch…
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samaritans
4.3 The State of Our Mental Health – May Mental Health Month 2020
“It’s Mental Health Awareness Month and this year, we find ourselves amid a global crisis. As we adjust to this new normal and navigate the challenges of uncertainty and anxiety, all of us at Talkspace are more committed than ever to continuing the conversation about mental health. Talking about feelings helps, so let’s talk it out”. What’s the state of your mental health? Share your video @talkspace #TheStateofMyMentalHealth.
5. Casper Lee #LookingForward Charity Campaign
Caspar Lee Launches #LookingForward Charity Campaign
“Caspar Lee Launches #LookingForward Charity Campaign. People are invited share via a photo or video what they’re most looking forward to post-lockdown, whilst donating money to The Prince’s Trust”.
YouTube Video #LookingForward
#LookingFoward YouTube Video
“Coronavirus is impacting all of us, in ways that are unimaginable – including a generation of young people who face unemployment, mental health issues, debt or lack of education. The Prince’s Trust Relief Fund has been set up to lead the recovery effort for the UK’s young people, ensuring they can access critical support during this crisis but also give them a future they can look forward to. Help Caspar raise £10,000 to support 1000 young people receive essential wellbeing support from our youth workers over the coming months. All you have to do is use the hashtag #LookingForward, upload a photo or a video to Instagram with something you are looking forward to doing after lockdown, and tag 5 friends to do the same. Please donate anything you can to Caspar’s Relief Fund Campaign by clicking the below link and encourage your friends to do the same”.
“Please donate anything you can to Caspar’s Relief Fund Campaign by clicking the below link and encourage your friends to do the same. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraisin… Supporting The Prince’s Trust Young People Relief Fund will prevent a generation of young people falling into poverty. Together we can rebuild their future and help them to grow and thrive“.
Subscribe ► https://goo.gl/TZszM1 Visit us ► https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/ Facebook ► https://facebook.com/princestrust Twitter ► https://twitter.com/princestrust Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/princestrust/ On our channel you will find videos that tell the inspiring stories of Prince’s Trust supported young people, how to and top tip videos offering careers advice, and a behind the scenes look at what happens on our courses. #StartSomething. ——————————————- Support our work https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/supp… At The Prince’s Trust, we’ve been working with young people since 1976, we’ve supported 950,000 young people to date and our youth workers help 100 more each day. We help young people build the self-esteem and skills they need to move into work and stabilise their lives. Join us. Start something. The Prince’s Trust is a registered charity incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000772). Registered in England and Wales (1079675) and Scotland (SC041198).
Illustrative examples: #LookingForward
6. Guest Feature: Chantelle Newell: BSc – Qualified Counsellor and Mediator
Our mental health has been a taboo subject for so long and it’s about time we spoke loud and proud about it.
Mental health issues are affecting the young and old and it needs to be addressed and a good way to do that is talk.
I am a qualified BSc Integrative counsellor and I also have a Diploma in Mediation. I have stepped out in faith and decided to set up as a counsellor and Mediator working virtually with clients.
I know how easily depression and anxiety can come down on you and they sometimes go hand in hand, meaning one will spiral into the other.
In 2016 I became Ill and needed 2 operations that left me with a scar down the right side of my face, I had temporary facial and shoulder nerve damage also.
I didn’t want to go out and if I did have to I would make sure it was either very early or midday when less people were on the road. I even had to sit on the bus so my scar was facing the window as to stop anyone on the bus seeing it. I permanently wore a scarf and my life started to revolve around my scar and making sure it was covered and out of sight.
I never thought anything like this could happen to me and day by day I got more depressed. I was advised to have some counselling, but was hesitant at first as I was a counsellor shouldn’t I be able to help myself. Eventually, I gave in and embarked on some counselling sessions which really helped me get my life back on track and feel more positive about my situation.
I now see my scar as a reminder of what I have been through and it makes me feel positive that I can get through anything.
I like to stay positive and my motto is “Every negative can be turned into a positive” I live by this as this motto gets me through many situations. My positivity comes from my faith in God and this is what keeps me going. I think we all need to find a way to get through things and see the positive, we need to find a method that works for us as an individual.
Remember to look after your body and mind and most of all don’t forget to talk.
Follow me on Instagram:
My website address is:
Home|C.C.N Counselling & Mediation
Chantelle Newell BSc
7. Illustrative Examples: Mental Health and Wellbeing
8. Mental Health and Wellbeing
8.1 Mental Health and Well Being – NHS
“Advice and support from the NHS for common problems like stress, anxiety and depression”.
8.2 What is mental health and wellbeing?
According to the World Health Organization, however, mental health is “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
8.3 How can you promote mental health and wellbeing?
5 steps to mental wellbeing
- “Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing”.
- “Be physically active. Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness”.
- “Learn new skills”.
- “Give to others”.
- “Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)”
“Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood”. (5 Apr 2019).
8.5 What are the 5 ways of wellbeing?
- “5 Ways to Wellbeing. Time and time again, scientific studies have shown us that if we do the following five things listed below, happiness will increase”.
- “Connect. Each person you meet is a doorway into another world”.
- “Be Active”.
- “Keep Learning”.
- “Help Others”.
- “Take Notice”
8.6 How can we improve wellbeing?
15 Tips to Boost Your Well-Being and Happiness
- “Accept your emotions”.
- “Take daily risks”.
- “Live in the present”.
- “Be introspective”.
- “Laugh”.
- “Determine and live your personal values”.
- “Identify and use your individual strengths”.
- “Keep tabs on your thoughts”. (More items…)
9. Help for people with Mental Illness
9.1 How do you talk to someone with mental illness?
Eight tips for talking about mental health
- “Set time aside with no distractions”.
- “Let them share as much or as little as they want to”.
- “Don’t try to diagnose or second guess their feelings”.
- “Keep questions open ended”.
- “Talk about wellbeing”.
- “Listen carefully to what they tell you”. (More items…)
9.2 Mental Health Helplines – NHS
“Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines and support groups can offer expert advice”.
10.Illustrative Examples: Grief and Mental Health
11. Grief and Mental Health
11.1 How Grief Can Make You Sick | Everyday Health
“The loss of a loved one can impact survivors’ mental and physical health”.
11.2 Bereavement | Mental Health Foundation
“Coming to terms with the death of a loved one can be very difficult, as it can stir up a whole range of complicated feelings. People often move between denial, anger, grief and confusion before acceptance is reached.”
11.3 Bereavement and Grief |Mental Health America
“Coping With Loss. The loss of a loved one is life’s most stressful event and can cause a major emotional crisis”.
11.4 Bereavement and Mental Health |leso – leso Digital Health
“Sadly, death is an unavoidable part of life. As we go through life we will inevitably lose loved ones through illness, old age or unforeseen circumstances. Coming to terms with a bereavement is never easy”.
11.5 About bereavement | Mind, the mental health charity
“It is characterised by grief, which is the process and the range of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss”.
12. Illustrative Examples: Coronavirus and Mental Health
13. Coronavirus and Mental Health
13.1 Coronavirus and Mental Health – Young Minds
“Tips, advice and guidance on where you can get support for your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic”.
13.2 How to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus Pandemic
“Good mental health for all. Dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems”.
13.3 Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus Pandemic
“Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current coronavirus, can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times”.
13.4 Coronavirus: resources and information |Centre for Mental Health
“In times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we take care of our mental health and look out for people living with mental illness”.
13.5 COVID-19 and your Mental Health – Mental Health UK
“Find information and tips for managing your mental health and wellbeing while social distancing or self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak”.
13.6 Coronavirus and isolation – supporting yourself and your colleagues – Mental Health At Work
“These are unique times for workplace mental health. We’ve collected a few resources you can trust, with information on supporting your staff”.
13.7 Coronavirus – Student Minds
“Guidance for those with ongoing mental health difficulties. For some people, the coronavirus outbreak may trigger compulsive thoughts and and unhelpful behaviours, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions such as an anxiety disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder”.
13.8 How can I support someone’s mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak? – Time to Change
“Coronavirus and mental health: Supporting someone during Covid-19. Checking in on your family, friends and colleagues is always important. But during the coronavirus outbreak this will be more important than ever”.
13.9 Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies | NAMI
“The coronavirus can significantly affect mental health for everyone, but especially for those with mental illness”.
13.10 If you’re worried about your mental health during Coronavirus
“The coronavirus outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives, and it’s normal that this will affect people’s mental health”.
13.11 ‘Urgent studies needed’ into mental health impact of Coronavirus
‘Urgent studies needed’ into mental health impact of coronavirus. Effects of lockdown and of Covid-19 itself could be deep and long-term, say researchers”.
13.12 Coronavirus & mental health -MindWise
“Information and support on mental health, money, benefits, your rights and supporting others during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic”.
13.3 Coronavirus and your mental health | Heads Together
“In times like these, looking after both our physical and mental health is of utmost importance”.
14. Supporting Parents and Children through the Coronavirus Pandemic
14.1 Supporting Your Child During The Coronavirus Pandemic – Young Minds
“Supporting your child if they’re feeling worried. It’s normal for children and young people to feel worried or anxious at the moment”.
14.2 Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and support for Parents and Carers |NSPCC
“Whether you’re working from home with your kids for the first time or supporting children with anxiety due to coronavirus, we’ve got tips and advice for you”.
14.3 Coronavirus (COVID-19): Calming Anxiety – Kids Health
“Accept anxiety as one of your many emotions. Don’t ignore it, fight it, reject it, or be afraid of it. Don’t judge yourself for feeling it. Be kind”
15. Useful Links:
15.1 Mental Health:
- Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 – Jami UK
- Mental Health – World Health Organisation
- Depression, Anxiety and Mental Health |Nspcc – NSPCC.org.uk
15.2 Grief and Mental Health:
- Managing your Mental Health when grieving
- Grieving little heartbreaks is OK, even during a pandemic
- Grief and Loss -Beyond Blue
15.3 Health and Wellbeing:
- 2020 Health and Wellbeing Calendar |SuperWellness
- Calendar of Wellbeing Awareness Days 2020 – PES
- Wellbeing | Mind, the mental health Charity – help for mental health problems| Mind, the mental health Charity
- Five ways to wellbeing | Mind, the mental health Charity
15.4 Coronavirus and Mental Health:
- COVID-19 and Mental Illness – Rethink Mental IllnessCoronavirus and Mental Health Information Hub |SAMH
15.5 Maternal Mental Health
- Maternal Mental Health – WHO “Maternal mental health. Worldwide about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. In developing countries this is even higher, i.e. 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after child birth. Maternal mental disorders are treatable”.
- Maternal Health in Pregnancy | Royal College of Psychiatrists “How does Pregnancy affect Mental Health Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in pregnancy. These affect about 10 to 15 out of every 100 pregnant women. Mental health problems you have had in the past can be worrying because they can increase the risk of becoming unwell, particularly after birth”.
- NHS England Perinatal Mental Health “Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems are those which occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child”.
- Perinatal Mental Health. GOV.UK “Perinatal mental health problems affect between 10 to 20% of women during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby”.
- About Maternal Mental Health Problems “Explains postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health problems, including possible causes, treatments and support options”.
16. Our Final Thoughts
Our aim with starting our blog was to try our best to help others by sharing our story, this is something that we are passionate about. It is what drives us and encourages us to keep going each week with new topics.
We are living through extremely trying and difficult times. As individuals our experiences are different, but if we continue with this unified support for each other it will hopefully help to see us through going forward in a positive and mindful way as possible.
We hope everyone is keeping safe and well as can be during these times. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones before, and also during these times.
Our YouTube Video description of this topic:
Grief Probate Journey 
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