With people understandably feeling increased levels of stress and anxiety during the current crisis, it’s great to see so many sources of help and support being made available. Of course, this anxiety and uncertainty can be even stronger for those with autism.
We thought we’d take this opportunity to share a few resources that offers support and help for autism families and people of all ages with their mental health and wellbeing:
- For residents of Wirral, Cheshire West and Cheshire East – the local NHS Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP), has launched a new mental health helpline. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is for people of all ages, including children and young people who need urgent mental health support. If you need urgent mental health help call 0300 303 3972 and dedicated local NHS staff will support you to access the help you need.
- For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, the CWP website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
- For children and young people there is also a dedicated website called MyMind.org.uk.
- The National Autistic Society has a number of useful resources for people with autism and their families including top tips, other people’s stories and general information too: autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources.aspx
- The NHS’ Every Mind Matters website is a great resource to help people manage their mental wellbeing. It contains articles and resources on staying positive, maintaining mental wellbeing, stress busters and much more: nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
- Coronavirus, autism and my mental health – a blog from a 19-year-old, sharing her thoughts on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected their mental health as an autistic person, covering changes in routine; social interaction; dealing with uncertainty; self-compassion; and finding help: youngminds.org.uk/blog/coronavirus-autism-and-my-mental-health/Change in routine
