Coronavirus and mental health

Infectious disease outbreaks such as coronavirus (COVID-19) can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it’s important to stay informed, it’s also vital we look after our mental well-being.

After living in a pandemic for so long, you may be feeling exhausted, fed up, depressed or anxious. You may have experienced bereavement, furlough or unemployment as well as loneliness, disruption to normal life, and relationship stress. While some of us have been able to enjoy new family routines or more time outdoors, for many of us life feels difficult and uncertain.

Our resources offer helpful tips and advice that we hope will help you, your friends, and your family to look after your mental health.

COVID-19 and mental health research

Illustration of COVID virus over the UK

Coronavirus: Mental Health in the Pandemic Study

Between 2020-2022, working with partners, the Mental Health Foundation led a ground-breaking, long-term, UK-wide research study of how the pandemic affected people’s mental health.

Graphic symbolises the COVID-19 virus

Covid Response Programme

Our Covid Response Programmes deliver targeted support for lone parents, refugees, people from Black and minority ethnic communities, and people living with long-term health conditions.

Advice and stories

Woman looking at her reflection in glass

Change, loss and bereavement

Coping with times of change and loss.

Two men sitting talking at a table. One has his back to us, the other is gesturing with his arms.

Tips to look after your mental health during scary world events

Advice to help you cope and support loved ones in uncertain times.

Talking to your children about scary world events

Photo of a child on a bean bag
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Looking after your mental health: a guide for young people

SITUATE group of young people working at a desk
Read more

Coping with scary world events if you already have a mental health condition

Man looking thoughtful
Read more
Photo of Carol
Story
Carol's story: there should be no shame in how we feel
Carol's story: there should be no shame in how we feel
Photo of Dean
Story
Dean's story: my mental health took a hit during the pandemic as my feelings of loneliness grew
Dean's story: my mental health took a hit during the pandemic as my feelings of loneliness grew
Photo of Libby
Story
Libby's story: overcoming my feelings of loneliness and finding my strength
Libby's story: overcoming my feelings of loneliness and finding my strength
Photo of Kas
Story
Kas' story: turning to nature during the pandemic
Kas' story: turning to nature during the pandemic
COVID hub - loneliness graphic
Story
Shereen's story: my experience of long COVID
Shereen's story: my experience of long COVID
A drawing of a park, drawn by Jolie
Story
Jolie's story: my experience of loss during COVID-19
Jolie's story: my experience of loss during COVID-19
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