Lockdown will no doubt be a testing time for our mental health.

We are all having to relearn to adapt to measures put in place to protect us from the threat of Covid-19.

But some people will be living alone during the next few weeks and are presented with the challenge of overcoming negative or repressed thoughts.

These might have been present before the pandemic, and now they are having to readdress them, internally, alone.

Research from the Office for National Statistics released in November found that in Britain, 8% of people felt ’always or often lonely’ - the highest peak in loneliness since last year’s lockdown.

During March to June 2020, many young people reported increased levels of loneliness, the study found.

Children and young people aged between 13 to 24 felt less able to cope with not being able to see their friends.

Fortunately here in the island, there is help for those who find themselves struggling with the pressures of lockdown.

Mental health charity Reach IoM was founded by Adam Hudgeon in April 2019 after he opened-up about his experiences with anxiety and depression on social media.

He recently decided to launch a 30-Day Lockdown Challenge, which consists of tips and challenges for people to complete per day and is for all ages.

Adam said: ’We would love to get the community involved and also try new things that may help with their mental health.

’I think overthinking is where people will struggle the most, as it is very easy when you are at home with your thoughts to let them get away and to fall into that pattern.

’Structure is key to this, keep a good routine and it will help combat overthinking.

’It will give you focus and also give you motivation, so setting some daily goals is a great idea.’

Adam said he is expecting many people to get in touch with him over the coming weeks who will need help.

He said: ’You never know how many people this will affect. I remember that from the last lockdown, it opened a lot of people’s eyes to what mental health actually is.

’People struggled who never thought they would, so in some ways it helped get our message out.

’We have daily interaction with people asking advice and how to deal with mental health issues. I think that will continue and we will see more and more.’

Reach IoM is encouraging people to assist those who might not openly ask for help.

Adam added: ’I think the best way to help is keep checking in, even if it’s just a message or a card through the door.

’Let them know you are always available for a chat via phone call or messages if they need one. Try to get them involved in community groups that can help and also online classes can be great.

’When the chips are down, there is no better community than the Manx people.’

The charity has shared ways to help people cope with lockdown:

l Stick to a routine - that’s going to be key over the next three weeks that’s for sure. By doing this you should keep a good sleep pattern and I cannot stress how important that is.

l Diet - make sure you keep track of what you are eating and drinking.

Try to balance it as best as possible. The odd takeaway is fine, but make sure you are getting the good stuff in too ie vitamins and proteins. Eating rubbish all day will make you feel rubbish so remember that.

l Set some goals - Give yourself some small goals they can be daily or weekly, but try your best to stick to them goals. Give yourself focus keep your mind working.

l Exercise - Please try and exercise, not just for your physical health but for your mental health! A walk a day can help clear your mind so much. Or try yoga or meditation (videos are available on YouTube).

More information about Reach IoM and the 30-Day Lockdown Challenge to aid mental wellbeing can be found on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/reachiom.

They can also be contacted on 247681 or [email protected].