COVID-19: Support for patients and carers
Information about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects you and your care.
Accessing healthcare services during COVID-19
While some services are running differently due to the impact of COVID-19, it's important you know that healthcare services are still running and available to you, if you need them. You should still:
- seek urgent medical help if you think you have serious or life-threatening symptoms. Do this regardless of whether you think your symptoms are related to COVID-19 or not. (You can get help through your GP, NHS 111, 999 or your local A&E)
- seek medical advice for any worrying symptoms, whether they are new or recurring
- continue with any medical treatments you are having and attend any hospital or GP appointments as requested.
Mental health and COVID-19
If you or someone you know has a mental health condition, we have created these resources to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Medication and COVID-19:
Getting your prescription, taking your medication and attending medication appointments during the pandemic. - Remote consultations:
Some mental health consultations might take place on the telephone or online during the pandemic. This information explains how these work. - Going to hospital for a physical illness or injury:
What to do if you or someone you are caring for who has a mental health condition needs to go to hospital because of a physical illness or injury. - Eating disorders and COVID-19:
Information for people experiencing an eating disorder during the pandemic, including how services may have changed and what you can expect from your care. - Before, during or after pregnancy:
How the pandemic may affect women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or have recently had a baby and are worried about their mental health.
Some of our existing mental health resources may be particularly relevant during the pandemic:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT):
A commonly used type of talking therapy which helps you examine your thoughts and behaviours. - Physical illness:
Dealing with the emotional impact it brings. - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
Information about this mental health condition which can be caused by traumatic experiences. - Mental health rehabilitation services:
Services to help you get your life back to how it was before you experienced mental illness. - Memory problems and dementia:
In addition to dementia, many things can affect our memory, including stress, depression, grief and even physical illnesses.
The National Problem Gambling Clinic has also produced the following guide:
Self-help for gambling during the pandemic
Public Health England's guidance
Support for people experiencing anxiety during the pandemic
RCPsych has created resources to help you if you, or someone you know, is experiencing increased anxiety as a result of the pandemic. Our resources include information for adults, young people and parents.