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Coronavirus: How you can protect your mental health during lockdown

Psychotherapist Lucy Beresford suggests practical ways to cope with being cooped up for three weeks or more.

Non-key workers are being told to stay at home
Image: Non-key workers are being told to stay at home
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Millions of people in the UK and across the globe are having to self-isolate as authorities impose lockdowns to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

For most, the extended period of "social distancing" away from loved ones and friends can be hard on mental health.

Psychotherapist Lucy Beresford tells Sky News how people living alone, couples and families with children can cope with staying indoors for three weeks or more.

The first thing to recognise is that we're all going to wobble at some point.

Let go of the perfectionism that you're going to be able to do it perfectly all the time.

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It's about your approach and mindset over the next three weeks as the government enforces a lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Ms Beresford adds: "We need to see this as an opportunity to do some different, maybe even some quite special things.

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"It's about having some practical tips and a structure or a routine."

So what can you do in practical terms?

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Don't watch television all day, Ms Beresford warns. Have things to do throughout the day, activities such as "writing down a gratitude list, clearing out that spare cupboard that you've been putting off for years, learn a few new recipes".

She suggests practical, achievable tasks will give you a sense of satisfaction at the end of it.

If you're a couple, you might want to set yourself a goal to learn a new activity.

"A new gym routine, maybe a new language," she said.

Tangible activities that you can use once the COVID-19 situation subsides are key.

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The psychotherapist says if you've got kids, perhaps teaching them how to play chess or get them to teach you how to use the computer in a more sophisticated way.

"Give them a little bit of responsibility. Give them some tasks that make them feel like they're, they're growing as people," she added.

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If you're on your own, Lucy Beresford says draw up a list of all the people that you haven't spoken to in a while.

She explains: "Our landline is going to be our new friend, who knew?

"We can still communicate by video messaging and if we can see people, wave at them, do virtual hugs, it's going to make us feel less alone."

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If you're worried about finances, Ms Beresford says anxiety about money is entirely natural.

She said: "Find people that you can talk to about it. People who are in similar situation to you as they might have ideas.

"Don't feel bad about having to step away from your career. Become a delivery driver or volunteer with Age UK, or apply for stacking shelves at supermarkets. It's not going to be forever."