During the lockdown, many people found and taught themself new skills and got involved in new hobbies and sports. Lockdown was also a very lonely time for many which led to the very important topic of mental health being talked about in the media and the importance of talking about mental health and receiving help if you're struggling with it.  

Anxiety was one of the main mental health issues that were affecting many people and troubled lots of people who hadn't dealt with anxiety before due to fears of going outside and contracting COVID-19 or fears of the future as we were in very uncertain times. Many people dealing with anxiety turned to mediation to help calm and relax them when they’re feeling anxious and lots of people found meditation very useful during the lockdown. This led to many apps like Headspace being downloaded by thousands of people around the world. Headspace is a meditation app that vows to make meditation simple and easily accessible. Headspace also helps to get the user in the right mindset and helps to teach what they call “life-changing mindfulness skills”.  

The Headspace app helped many people with anxiety as their app is full of guided meditations that help the user to relax and train their mind and body so they can have a healthier lifestyle. Not only does the guided meditation calm the user it also helps the user to re-evaluate their stresses and change their worried mindsets, which is very helpful for somebody with anxiety. An anonymous person quoted, “This app (Headspace) has helped me manage and overcome my depression and anxiety drastically.” 

If you or anyone else you know is struggling with mental health issues here are some free support apps, websites and phone lines: 

  • Headspace (App) 
  • https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/a-z-mental-health/ 
  • Samaritans 24-hour free phone line – 116 123 

 

Photo by Ben Kolde.