Arthritis and coronavirus – looking after your emotional wellbeing

As we are continuing to adjust to our different routines, you might be feeling anxious and it may feel harder to take care of your wellbeing.

There’s lots of people looking out for you

• You can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520 or email: helpline@versusarthritis.org (Mon-Fri 9am – 8pm) and connect with others on our online community
• Public Health England has published this guide with advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis.
• If you are having a difficult time you can reach out to expert organisations like Mind and Anxiety UK for emotional support
• Young Minds UK provide mental health advice for children and young people and have specific content about coronavirus and mental health. If you care for others you can contact Carers UK for support.
• If you’re struggling to cope, the Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. They've launched a self-help app which you can use to track your mood and make plans to help you stay on track.

Here’s our selection of the best advice from our information and leading wellbeing experts:

Expert wellbeing organisations

If you need further support, the mental health charity, Mind has specific information on coronavirus and wellbeing. This includes advice on staying connected and looking after yourself during winter.

For more information for conversations with children about the coronavirus including concerns and talking about the facts, look at the Mental Health Foundation’s advice on how to talk to children.

Getting rest

We know that getting a good night sleep can be tricky when you live with pain and lack of sleep can lower the body’s ability to cope with pain.

If you’re finding it harder to get quality sleep at the moment, try some simple meditation techniques or an online yoga class might help. Read more about the benefits of meditation, yoga and tai-chi and our sleep top tips.

Keep healthy

Try to eat a balanced and healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Check our top tips and advice to help make healthy cooking at home a little easier.

Take a look at the COVID-19 Mutual Aid website for a list of local groups that might be able to help.

If you have a garden and green spaces near you, make time every day to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and natural light, especially if you're working at home. Read more about the benefits of natural sunlight and vitamin D.

Exercise – every little helps

Doing just a small amount of regular exercise can make a big difference to both your physical and mental health and wellbeing. It can boost your mood and help you relax. Try to make exercise a regular part of your day, read how you can stay active with arthritis.

For inspiration on ways to get moving at home go to the We are Undefeatable website. They have ideas ranging from chair exercises, yoga to dancing in your kitchen. Find out how stretching and strengthening exercises can help your arthritis.

Let's move with Leon

Let’s Move with Leon is our free exercise programme featuring weekly 30-minute movement sessions delivered to your email inbox.  Sign up today, and we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. 

Keep in touch

Feeling connected to other people can boost wellbeing and it’s important to keep in touch with your friends, family and community.

You can choose what works for you whether that’s getting together in a park, a phone call or chat in the garden.

You can join our online community and talk to others who know what life is like living with arthritis. Read Anna's story and find out how the community has helped her.

We’re here for you

If you’re feeling isolated from family and friends during these uncertain times, we’re here for you.

• If you would like to talk to someone, you can call our free helpline on 0800 5200 520 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
• Chat to COVA, our COVID-19 Virtual Assistant, 24/7.
• Join our online community
• Stay in touch and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.