Coronavirus (COVID-19) update message (27/3/20):  I hope anybody reading this is staying safe and taking as much care as possible. These are very challenging and uncertain times, both socially and in our personal lives, and it is unfortunately expected that almost everybody will experience some degree of anxiety right now. For NHS guidance on managing health during this outbreak, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

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​Furthermore, the necessary government lock down means that many of us will have additional struggles with mental health during this time, or exacerbated symptoms of preexisting issues. People are naturally social beings, to greater or lesser degrees, and there is enough evidence now that isolation is a leading factor in depression.

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It is important that self-care measures are taken during this time. For example, you might consider the following:

• Finding alternative means to stay in regular contact with close friends and family (phone, text, social media and online video games)

• Engaging in enjoyable activities (art, drawing, music, board/video games etc.)

• Some sort of structured indoor exercises where possible.

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I will be compiling a list of self-care measures in the coming week, which will be published in Left Lion magazine (https://www.leftlion.co.uk - now going digital due to the outbreak). I will put a link up here when this is available.

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I am requesting that all consultations and further agreed sessions be conducted by either telephone or Skype for now.

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For many, there may be a concern about the costs of counselling at this time, due to not being able to work/losing jobs. If struggling financially, you can still make contact and we can discuss alternative fees (I am offering shorter-term free sessions in exceptional circumstances, but these spaces are limited) . That will (I hope) be the case with many counsellors and psychotherapists, so please do contact myself or others to enquire about this if you are in need of support but concerned about costs.

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Take care and stay safe,

Rob Manners