Mid and South Essex IAPT - COVID Respiratory Support
Long-term health conditions can understandably bring about anxious feelings. Add to this a positive COVID test and we could see ourselves faced with more uncertainty and worry.
We are here to support you to help you recognise and separate feelings of anxiety from other symptoms that you might be experiencing, giving you all the tools and techniques to manage these effectively. On this dedicated support page, you will find a range of resources and calming exercises that will help you better understand and resolve unwanted symptoms associated with anxiety, such as breathlessness.
Understanding anxiety when faced with COVID
Presented by Laura, High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist & EMDR Practitioner
Please view this introductory video before moving on to the 5 exercises detailed below
5 exercises for managing breathlessness you can do right now
Meet Eve and Hannah, Assistant Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist at Southend Hospital. They will take you through easy-to-follow techniques to help get your breathing under control, as well as working to calm the mind and body.
Exercise 1 - Balloon breathing
Mindful breathing that allows thoughts to come and go without being intrusive.
Exercise 2 - Breathing through a square
Giving you a focus point that helps to concentrate and enhance the way you breathe.
Exercise 3 - Flowers and candles
A calming technique that uses real-world experiences to keep a steady breath rhythm.
Exercise 4 - Dropping the anchor
Gently ‘ground’ yourself and your feelings, whilst understanding how fear and breathlessness work hand-in-hand.
Exercise 5 - Posture and breathlessness
Discover how to relieve tension in your chest by making simple changes to the way you sit and lie down.
In partnership with Mid and South Essex IAPT Services
VitaMinds
Email: refer@vhg.co.uk
Phone: 01268 977 171
Website: www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-mental-health/basildon-and-brentwood/
IAPT service for the Basildon and Brentwood area
Health in Mind
Email: midessex.iapt@nhs.net
Phone: 01376 308 704
Website: www.hpft-iapt.nhs.uk/service/mid-essex
IAPT service for the Mid Essex area
Therapy For You
Email: epunft.contactcentre.iapt@nhs.net
Phone: 01268 739 128
Website: www.therapyforyou.co.uk
IAPT service for the Southend, Castle Point and Rochford areas
InclusionThurrock
Email: inclusion.thurrock@nhs.net
Phone: 01375 898 680
Website: www.inclusionthurrock.org
IAPT service for the Thurrock area