We are only too aware of the physical, social and economic effects of this current pandemic, but it is also widely acknowledged that the psychological effects on individuals will be possibly our biggest long term challenge.   Mental health and the pandemic The burden of mental health disorders following disasters and previous viral outbreaks is well documented. A recent report for mentalhealth.org.uk  [1] looked at the effect of the pandemic on our mental health; ‘Resilience enables us as individuals, communities, nations and as a country, to cope with the stress of the coronavirus pandemic. Whilst 64% of people say that they are coping well with the stress of the pandemic of those who have experienced stress almost nine out of ten 87% are using at least one coping strategy. People have used a wide range of strategies to cope; these most often included going for a walk, spending time in green spaces, and staying connected with others whilst some people are resorting to potentially harmful ways of coping, including increased alcohol consumption, substance misuse, and over-eating, putting their mental and physical health at greater risk’ The Health Foundation’s findings [2] show that when you take into account the effects of … Continue reading Pandemic – How to manage emotions and increase resilience