As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase across the country, more of us are working from home, self-isolating or generally steering clear from the public.

The UK Government's current advice is that anyone who has a fever or dry cough should completely isolate for seven days, where 14 days of whole household isolation is recommended if you live with someone that shows symptoms. 

Currently, there are 227 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Scotland. The First Minister announced that as of Friday, schools across the country will close in a bid to prevent further spreading of the virus. 

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If you haven't self-isolated already, it is likely that you will need to do so in the coming weeks. 

For those who suffer with mental health problems, the prospect of social distancing and self-isolation can be intimidating and often triggering. 

Specialists and professionals have laid out simple advice that we can all act on if you are concerned about the impact self-isolating may have on your mental health. 

Keeping well informed

Foremostly, Gordon McInnes from Mental Health Network Glasgow has advised that you should keep well-informed about current advice offered to those in quaranitne. 

He said: “The situation is one where as a society we are responding to things that are changing. So in that respect it can feel that you don’t have any control or power and we don’t know how long it will last or the scale.”

"It’s important to keep yourself accurately and well informed. The Government, Health Protection Scotland and the Mental Health Foundation will offer you quality advice and allow you to have a better understanding of the whole picture."

Staying connected

Although we can't speak with loved ones and friends face-to-face, it does not mean that we are completely disconnected from them. Mr McInnes is advising the public to stay connected and maintain social circles.

He said: "Be sure to maintain your social connectiveness and your social circles by means of virtual contact or still being actively involved in your family.

"Make phone calls, set up Skype dates, send messages. Use information technology to stay in the loop with everyone.

"Social media can often be a double-edged sword so make sure that while using this, you stay accurately informed."

Find a routine

Our sense of routine feels a bit tipped upside down at the moment. Time in self-isolation might be a great opportunity to engage with old hobbies or find a new one. 

Professor John Crichton, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland has advised it is very important that we stick to our normal routines as closely as possible. 

He said: "Establish routines as close as possible to normal life. Still have that shower in the morning and stick to mealtimes. Eat together as a family and switch off mobile devises for part of the day. 

“Keep to a normal night-time regime and identify ways of keeping physically active.  Reach out to others but don’t spend all day on social media. See if there is a broadcast religious service you can watch if that is part of your regular life. 

“Rediscover that old hobby, do some home cooking, catch up on some podcasts or e-books.  Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking. Open a window for fresh air and if possible, try and get some sunlight and out into the garden if you have one.

Mr McInnes added: "In terms of a having a routine, some people can work perfectly fine from working at home.

"You could fill your routine with other things, if you have a hobby or other activities that are meaningful to you then that also helps to occupy time.”

Reach out to your community

Now is the time to reach out to your local community. Self-isolation can be especially difficult for the elderly and vulnerable groups in society. 

Professor John Crichton advised: "It will be especially tough on the old and those with pre-existing physical and mental health problems.

“We are coming together as neighbours and communities to support each other. As the First Minister said recently, we are all in this together.

"We all need to feel connected through phone calls and personally arranged social media groups. 

"Think of the neighbour who might be left out and who might appreciate help with shopping or prescriptions."

Mr McInnes advised: "If you know of someone who you think is lonely and isolated – think, are they getting food? Are they getting essentials?”

“There is something about this and how we respond to it in the sense of a community. Obviously you want to be safe but there will be people out there that will find this as a challenge because of social isolation.”

“If you know of anyone in your community who is struggling or who is likely to be struggling at least offer them the chance to reach out to help with you.”

Be understanding

Amidst the unknowing times, it can be frustrating not knowing what is going to happen next. Professor Crichton advises that we should be forgiving and understand we are all on the same boat. 

He said: “Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down, my advice is also to be forgiving.

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"Everyone is working in unexpected and uncertain circumstances. Those working in health and social care will need to be flexible and apply their experience and training to unfolding events. We have amazing people working selflessly in Scotland and committed to supporting everyone to the best of their ability.

“I am looking forward to that time we can all look back at 2020 and be grateful for some of the ordinary things in life we sometimes take for granted.”

Find official advice about Coronavirus and self-isolation with the UK Government, Health Protection Scotland and The Mental Health Foundation.