Coronavirus: NHS mental health nurse and pro boxer on how to cope with life under lockdown

And mental health nurse and professional boxer, Tyrone McCullagh, has offered some advice on how to best cope with this seismic shift in how we are expected to live our lives.

Social distancing and self-isolation can take its toll on your mental health as McCullagh learned at first hand when he locked himself away in his house after his first professional defeat in the ring last month.

Many will experience psychological and behavioural changes and McCullagh stresses the importance of routine and to limit the amount of information and misinformation on the current Covid-19 crisis you digest on a daily basis.

“One of the main things we would advise people to do, as mental health professionals, is to stick to your daily routine as much as you can, which is difficult when you’re in isolation,” said McCullagh who once wore hospital scrubs and the NHS logo on his shorts for a ring walk at the SSE Arena in 2018 to raise awareness about the lack of male nurses in the profession.

Mental health charity, SANE, has warned the coronavirus pandemic could trigger a mental health epidemic as calls to the charity’s helpline have risen dramatically since the outbreak began, with 80% of people phoning SANEline over the past two weeks citing worries over COVID-19.

McCullagh stressed the importance of avoiding speculation and looking up reputable sources on the pandemic as rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety.

“What I would say is for people to limit reading or listening to things that are making them feel anxious,” he added. “I know people want to keep up to date with what’s happening but they don’t need to be hearing about every hour or every day, especially if it’s making you anxious.

“Maybe tune in at certain times of the day, once a day or twice a day, because hearing it over and over again is going to do nobody any good.

“Also, if you are listening or reading about it, stick to the legitimate stuff from the NHS or the World Health Organisation. You hear and read a lot of stuff which dramatises it or these conspiracy theories which would make anyone anxious never mind those who suffer from anxiety already.

“Try reading a normal book which helps take your mind off it all or watching a film. It sounds simple but anything like that which will occupy the mind is good.”

For the elderly or those who find themselves alone during this unprecedented time, McCullagh has asked people to reach out where possible.

“Social media can have its pitfalls but technology has its good points too if you are able to Skype or Facetime someone during these times.

“Everyone is self-isolating and Facetime, Skyping and texting people as much as possible is a good thing to keep in touch, particularly the elderly or those who are alone.”

W.H.O. Advice

The World Health Organisation has published a document on mental health and dealing with stress during the pandemic. Some of their recommendations include:

*Stay connected and maintain your social networks. Even in situations of isolations, try as much as possible to keep your personal daily routines.

*Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food.

*Keep things in perspective. A near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information updates and practical guidance at specific times during the day from health professionals and W.H.O. website and avoid listening to or following rumours that make you feel uncomfortable.

*Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, especially if children are confined to home. Provide engaging age appropriate activities for children.