Covid-19 Community Supports: Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health Ireland recently shared five simple actions we can all take to protect our mental health and maintain positive wellbeing during uncertain and challenging times. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are used all over the world to help people take positive action to improve their wellbeing. These are simple and practical steps that we can take every day to boost our mood and outlook, even when faced with the unfamiliar. 

FIVE ACTIONS FOR WELLBEING DURING TOUGH TIMES

Our current circumstances regarding Covid-19 has brought out the absolute very best in Irish people and their willingness to volunteer and to help whatever way possible.  However, it’s very important for volunteers to create balance in such willingness in relation to minding their physical, mental and social wellbeing. 

Mental Health Ireland also worked with Alcohol Action Ireland to share some advice to help people understand the risks of turning to alcohol during these tough times. 

During times like this, it might be difficult to stay on top of how much we are drinking, or indeed there might be an inclination to drink more heavily and more frequently as we reach out for something to numb the tension. This can result in us feeling more anxious, low and stressed. 

Instead, this can also be a time when we can develop healthy coping tools that will last long beyond Covid19. Here are some ways to mind our mental health while observing a low-risk relationship with alcohol. 

HEALTHY COPING TOOLS THAT WILL LAST BEYOND COVID19 

As you may know Jigsaw launched Jigsawonline.ie a number of weeks ago.  It will now potentially be needed more than ever.   

JIGSAW 

Jigsaw have been working hard to provide a range of online, mental health supports to young people during the pandemic.  One of theses great resources is the online group chat https://jigsawonline.ie/young-people/live-group-chats/ where participants apply to join a chat until three hours before the chat opens.  Young people can choose a suitable topic and chat with peers and a Jigsaw clinician. 

Live Group Chats | Advice for Young People | Jigsaw Online 

Welcome to Jigsaw Online Group Chats! Jigsaw Online Group chats are for young people between 12 and 25 years-old, living in Ireland. These are live discussions online on mental health themes, facilitated by a Jigsaw clinician. 

jigsawonline.ie 

Contact: Cian Mekitarian, Jigsaw Dublin City - Youth and Community Engagement Worker 

T  +353 1 6583070  44 Essex Street East, Temple Bar, Dublin 2  jigsaw.ie/dublincity