Advice and information
Covid-19 support

Coronavirus and mental health

Covid-19, also known as coronavirus or CV19, is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. On March 11 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the new virus a pandemic. Our Covid hub can help people with practical tips, support and advice about how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Latest updates

Leading UK health charities join forces to boost vaccine uptake

Today, 25 November 2021, Rethink Mental Illness has partnered with 15 leading health charities, the government and the NHS to boost vaccine uptake amongst the country’s most vulnerable this winter.

Covid-19: Long COVID and mental health

For most people, the symptoms of COVID-19 will pass within a few days or weeks. But for some people the effects can last for weeks or months. This condition is called long COVID.

Find out more

Covid 19 vaccine and people living with severe mental illness

Guidance on the Covid-19 vaccine made by Pfizer/BioNTech for people severely affected by mental illness.

Use of the Mental Health Act

Because of the coronavirus crisis, professionals might have to change the way they use the Mental Health Act. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England (NHSE) have provided this guidance for professionals.

How to manage anxiety as lockdown eases

As lockdown slowly eases, we asked our supporters what concerns they had about these changes and offered them advice on what they can do to support themselves.

Coronavirus - Do I have to wear a face covering?

Guidance on when to wear a face covering.

Supporting someone with a mental illness

If you support someone with a mental illness you may face practical, financial and emotional problems from time to time. This page looks at tips and suggestions to help you support someone.

Read more Supporting someone with a mental illness

Responding to unusual behaviour

If you have a friend or family member with a mental illness, some of their behaviour might worry you. This section suggests some ways to deal with unusual behaviour.

Read more Responding to unusual behaviour

Looking after your physical health

5 ways to get moving at home

Staying active and healthy during the covid-19 outbreak is important. This blog from our Physical Activity Manager has five simple tips to get you moving at home.

Wellbeing & physical health

Looking after your wellbeing and physical health is really important, especially if you are feeing isolated. Visit our wellbeing section to find out more.

Other resources

Rethink Advice & Information Team

If you need practical advice and information about mental illness, medication or support for carers then our advice team are there to help.

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NHS 111 Online & Phone support

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. Get help online or on the phone 24 hours a day.

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Mental Health & Money Advice Service

Mental Health & Money Advice is the first UK-wide advice service designed to help you manage and improve your financial and mental health.

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If you are feeling worried or concerned about the current pandemic, a list of crisis and emotional support lines can be found here or you can contact the Samaritans via their website.

The page is regularly updated with the latest news and guidance.
Please bookmark this page for future reference.