COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health

Focus on

Minding your mental health during COVID-19

Coronavirus: 8 ways to look after your mental health

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mental Health Europe reminds you that taking care of your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health. Good mental health and positive wellbeing can help you better cope with the COVID-19 threat and the uncertainty it’s creating.

10 ways to cope with stress during the pandemic

Teleworking and imposed lockdown restrictions led to stress and isolation for many. On the occasion of Stress Awareness Week (in November every year), MHE launched a guide on how to cope with stress during these testing times.

5 wellbeing tips for the holiday season

Again in December, the pandemic and lockdown restrictions is thwarting plans for many. MHE has launched a guide with wellbeing tips to help you get through this time.

6 ways to cope with post-lockdown anxiety

As part of a series about ways to look after your mental health during the pandemic, Mental Health Europe compiled a list of tips to help you manage your nerves around life after lockdown.

Helplines and services to support your mental health during COVID-19

Mental Health Europe (MHE) created a map of helplines and services to support your mental health during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Information from 36 European countries was gathered with the valuable support of MHE members and the European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations (EFPSA). In a few clicks, this interactive map will help you find more details on helplines and services providing mental health care during COVID-19 in your country, including COVID-specific support.

FIND OUT MORE

Resources in other European languages

Information on COVID-19 and mental health in other European languages

FRENCH

GERMAN

Pfalzklinikum – 8 hilfreiche Tipps für in Zeiten des Corona-Virus seelische Gesundheit
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde – Coronavirus: Tipps für die seelische Gesundheit
Freunde fürs Leben – Hilfsangebote in Zeiten der Corona-Krise
EuroYouthMentalHealth – Auf die eigene seelische Gesundheit achten, wenn du dich selbst- isolieren musst, für junge Menschen
Mental Health Crowd – Mental Health & Corona
Die Psychotanten – Corona & Mental Health (podcast)

GREEK

Κορωνοϊός: 8 τρόποι για να προφυλάξετε την ψυχική σας υγεία (short version, full version)

HUNGARIAN

EuroYouthMentalHealth – Mentális egészségről való gondoskodás fiataloknak #maradjotthon időkben

ITALIAN

MALTESE

Richmond Foundation – Mental Health Support during the Covid-19 Outbreak & Mind your health (English, Maltese)

POLISH

EuroYouthMentalHealth – Sposoby dla młodzieży na radzenie sobie z niepokojem dotyczący koronawirusa

PORTUGUESE

Ordem dos Psicólogos – COVID-19: Como lidar com uma situação de isolamento (video, PDF)
Ordem dos Psicólogos – Como lidar com uma situação de isolamento se for um cidadão sénior (ou seu familiar)
WHO – Como lidar com o stresse durante o surto de COVID-19
COVID-19: Profissionais de saúde mental prestam apoio gratuito

RUSSIAN

European Network of Migrant Women – Забота о себе во время карантина Ковид-19

SLOVAK

EuroYouthMentalHealth – Ako sa vysporiadať s úzkosťou ohľadom Koronavírusu

SPANISH

TURKISH

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Sağlık Bakanlığı – Korona Virüs Pandemisinde Online Ruhsal Destek

Responding to COVID-19

Statements & policy work

news

Let’s not forget about people with psychosocial disabilities, now and in the aftermath of COVID-19

Read MHE's statement on the occasion of World Health Day 2020.

news

Vulnerable Groups should be protected during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mental Health Europe has joined 16 other organisations calling to make the investment in physical & mental health prevention & protection a top political priority.

news

Protecting children and their families during and after the COVID19 crisis

The EU Alliance for Investing in Children calls on the EU to protect children and their families during and after the COVID19 crisis.

news

Open Letter: Act now to boost mental health policy

MEPs call on the European Commission and the European Council to address mental health and the needs of people with mental health problems now and in the aftermath of COVID-19

news

EU action on health is more urgent than ever, says EU4Health coalition

Joint Statement demanding urgent action for stronger and better health policy at EU level.

news

MHE releases a position paper on mental health in the aftermath of COVID-19

The paper highlights a crucial moment to rethink our approach and implement structural changes in mental health care and support.

news

No dreams for a European Health Union without a triple WWW EU4Health Programme

A Well-resourced, Well-designed and Well-governed EU4Health programme is needed to improve health systems beyond COVID-19.

Media Coverage 2020

Not just another strategy: mental health and wellbeing

Media Coverage 2020

Coronavirus: why the EU must protect people with mental ill-health

Media Coverage 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a painful reminder of how poor mental health provision is

Press releases

Together we can make it

Mental Health Europe launches the first European mental health awareness week ‘Together we can make it’ to highlight the importance of mental health during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Media Coverage 2020

Prioritising the importance of mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Coverage 2020

Mental health stigmas are the ultimate barriers against help for 1 in 6 Europeans

Media Coverage 2020

Beyond COVID-19: The call for a European mental health strategy

WMHD20

Pandemic is a wake-up call for mental healthcare reform in Europe

WMHD20

Shock of Covid-19 is catalyst to invest in mental health

World Mental Health Day is on Saturday (10 October), but we must remember that this isn't a one-day event - it is time to make mental health a fundamental pillar in the Covid-19 response.

Media Coverage 2020

World Mental Health Day 2020: growth, resilience and self-determination

Media Coverage 2020

Revealed: Hit to EU mental health services during Covid-19

Media Coverage 2020

Sin cita con el psiquiatra por el coronavirus: el tsunami en la salud mental

Media Coverage 2020

Il COVID-19 ha congelato i servizi di salute mentale in Europa

Media Coverage 2020

No appointments for mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Coverage 2021

Environment: A natural remedy for mental ill-health

Media Coverage 2021

Pay up or put it off: how Europe treats depression and anxiety

Media Coverage 2021

This is not a mental health pandemic but it’s time to take mental distress seriously, footed on human rights

Media Coverage 2021

Listen to those with mental ill-health; end coercion in mental healthcare

Media Coverage 2021

Tackling the structural inequalities at the heart of poor mental health

Media Coverage 2021

Antidepressants hit new highs in Europe

Media Coverage 2021

MHE flags the systemic issues that must be addressed to tackle discrimination and secure inclusion for all – EU Agenda

Media Coverage 2021

Mental Health Care Must Support Consent and Basic Human Rights – Mad in America

Media Coverage 2021

Is Europe facing a workplace mental health crisis? – Debating Europe

Media Coverage 2021

Caring for those who care for us – Open Access Government

Media Coverage 2022

Caring for those who care for us – Open Access Government

Media Coverage 2022

Europe’s mental health in decline – Euractiv

Mental Health Europe aims to provide helpful information to as many people as possible on how communities: experts by experience, service providers, mental health leaders, governments and policy makers, researchers and others, can support people efficiently through the current crisis and beyond.

Interview Series

About the Series

Below you can find a collection of interviews with MHE members and partners. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on their lives and work and which measures they are taking or can be taken to cope with the situation. These testimonies underline the importance of putting mental health higher on the European agenda, during the crisis and afterwards, while offering a personal side and shared expertise for people within the mental health sector, decision makers, and anyone interested in improving mental health for all.

19 August 2020

It is not always easy but our capacity for change is much higher than we think

27 May 2020

This is a global experience, even if experiences vary tremendously due to inequality

20 May 2020

Allow every feeling but focus on good things every day

11 May 2020

A sense of community among mental health professionals is essential

7 May 2020

Involve people with lived experience in mental health reform

22 April 2020

To preserve the mental health of workers, information and guidance are key

16 April 2020

Now more than ever we can be in contact with our clients

16 April 2020

We’re focusing on one goal – to provide services to the people

Key resources

World Health Organisation
(WHO)

DISCOVER

European

Commission

(EC)

DISCOVER

European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control (ECDC)

DISCOVER

Tip of the Day

Daily advice on how to look after your mental health in these tough times

View this post on Instagram

Struggling with working from home? Make sure to recharge your batteries after teleworking: taking time to relax is important for your #mentalhealth ! Whether you enjoy going for a walk or listening to music – choose activities that make you happy. . . . #covid19 #coronavirus #health #covid_19 #work #worklifebalance #teleworking #workingfromhome

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 7, 2020 at 8:32am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Exercising is a great way to look after your mental health! Even if you’re under lockdown – jump online for a fitness video you can join from home. . . . #covid19 #coronavirus #health #covid_19 #sport #exercise #physicalactivity #tipoftheday #quarantine #mentalhealth

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 9, 2020 at 8:03am PDT

View this post on Instagram

🗣If you’re feeling anxious about #Coronavirus talk about it with someone you trust. Putting your feelings into words can help strengthen your #MentalHealth in these challenging times. 🙇🏻‍♀️ . . . #covid19 #covid_19 #mentalhealth #selfcare #tipoftheday #coronavirus

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 14, 2020 at 6:35am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A lack of routine may lead to work-related stress. Make sure to look after your #mentalhealth by keeping a #worklifebalance 👥 . . . #coronavirus #covid19 #lockdown #tipoftheday #mentalhealtheurope #working #workingfromhome

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 21, 2020 at 5:59am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Self-care is key in the wake of the #COVID19 pandemic. Make sure to take enough time for yourself. 🧘 . . . #mentalhealth #coronavirus #tipoftheday #mentalhealtheurope #selfcare

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 28, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Let’s use the extra time #quarantine gives us as an opportunity to try something new! 💡It can give us a sense of purpose and protect our #mentalhealth 👥 . . . #coronavirus #covid19 #lockdown #tipoftheday #mentalhealtheurope #MHE #teaching #cooking #learning

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 16, 2020 at 8:06am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Take a break from #COVID19 news every now and then to look after your #mentalhealth during this time 📰 . . . #coronavirus #mentalhealtheurope #tipoftheday #wellbeing #quarantine #lockdown #news

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 26, 2020 at 1:44am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Although #selfisolation may affect your #mentalhealth at times, remember that keeping in touch with your loved ones can ease the stress of #covid19 👥 . . . #coronavirus #mentalhealth #mentalhealtheurope #quarantine #family #friends #tipoftheday

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 23, 2020 at 8:03am PDT

View this post on Instagram

There are many ways to support others during the #COVID19 crisis – reach out to a friend, make a donation or volunteer in your community! . . . #coronavirus #TipOfTheDay #MentalHealthEurope #Charity #Community #Friends

A post shared by Mental Health Europe (@mhesmebxl) on Apr 30, 2020 at 6:55am PDT

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Focus on

Minding your mental health during COVID-19

Coronavirus: 8 ways to look after your mental health

10 ways to cope with stress during the pandemic

5 wellbeing tips for the holiday season

6 ways to cope with post-lockdown anxiety

Helplines and services to support your mental health during COVID-19

Resources in other European languages

Information on COVID-19 and mental health in other European languages

Responding to COVID-19

Statements & policy work

news

Let’s not forget about people with psychosocial disabilities, now and in the aftermath of COVID-19

news

Vulnerable Groups should be protected during the COVID-19 Pandemic

news

Protecting children and their families during and after the COVID19 crisis

news

Open Letter: Act now to boost mental health policy

news

EU action on health is more urgent than ever, says EU4Health coalition

news

MHE releases a position paper on mental health in the aftermath of COVID-19

news

No dreams for a European Health Union without a triple WWW EU4Health Programme

Media highlights

Media Coverage 2020

Not just another strategy: mental health and wellbeing

Media Coverage 2020

Coronavirus: why the EU must protect people with mental ill-health

Media Coverage 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a painful reminder of how poor mental health provision is

Press releases

Together we can make it

Media Coverage 2020

Prioritising the importance of mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Coverage 2020

Mental health stigmas are the ultimate barriers against help for 1 in 6 Europeans

Media Coverage 2020

Beyond COVID-19: The call for a European mental health strategy

WMHD20

Pandemic is a wake-up call for mental healthcare reform in Europe

WMHD20

Shock of Covid-19 is catalyst to invest in mental health

Media Coverage 2020

World Mental Health Day 2020: growth, resilience and self-determination

Media Coverage 2020

Revealed: Hit to EU mental health services during Covid-19

Media Coverage 2020

Sin cita con el psiquiatra por el coronavirus: el tsunami en la salud mental

Media Coverage 2020

Il COVID-19 ha congelato i servizi di salute mentale in Europa

Media Coverage 2020

No appointments for mental health patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Coverage 2021

Environment: A natural remedy for mental ill-health

Media Coverage 2021

Pay up or put it off: how Europe treats depression and anxiety

Media Coverage 2021

This is not a mental health pandemic but it’s time to take mental distress seriously, footed on human rights

Media Coverage 2021

Listen to those with mental ill-health; end coercion in mental healthcare

Media Coverage 2021

Tackling the structural inequalities at the heart of poor mental health

Media Coverage 2021

Antidepressants hit new highs in Europe

Media Coverage 2021

MHE flags the systemic issues that must be addressed to tackle discrimination and secure inclusion for all – EU Agenda

Media Coverage 2021

Mental Health Care Must Support Consent and Basic Human Rights – Mad in America

Media Coverage 2021

Is Europe facing a workplace mental health crisis? – Debating Europe

Media Coverage 2021

Caring for those who care for us – Open Access Government

Media Coverage 2022

Caring for those who care for us – Open Access Government

Media Coverage 2022

Europe’s mental health in decline – Euractiv

Resources and Support

Mental Health Europe aims to provide helpful information to as many people as possible on how communities: experts by experience, service providers, mental health leaders, governments and policy makers, researchers and others, can support people efficiently through the current crisis and beyond.

World Health Organisation
(WHO)