Q. Doctor, I don’t know how I’m going to cope with a new lockdown. I have two young children at home and my partner’s job is very insecure.

A. This is a worrying time for many people, particularly when we were so uplifted by news of the vaccines. First of all, don’t be afraid to seek help if you are struggling financially - with supporting your children, or if you feel your mental health is getting worse. There are many voluntary organisations that are standing by willing to help you get through a tough patch. You can find information on help by visiting www.cumbria.gov.uk/welfare/default.asp or, if you need urgent help, call Cumbria County Council’s support helpline on 0800 783 1966.

Make sure you look after yourself; you can’t support your partner or your children unless you are feeling well and strong. You may feel worried or anxious about your finances, your health or those close to you. Or you may feel bored, frustrated or lonely. It’s important to remember that it’s OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.

For most of us, these feelings will pass. Staying at home may be difficult, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing it. There are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while you’re staying at home.

Your partner should check what support is available to them, whether as an employee or as someone self-employed - you can find out more by visiting www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support?priority-taxon=774cee22-d896-44c1-a611-e3109cce8eae. Cumbria County Council also has a guide to support services here: www.cumbria.gov.uk/welfare/default.asp.

Make sure you stay in touch with people you have a good relationship with, whether by phone, email, video call or text. Talking to people outside your home, even for a short time, can help lift your mood. If you feel that you need more specialist help, then there are a range of organisations that can provide support - you can find them here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/. If you find that you need urgent mental health support, call the urgent mental health helpline on 01229 404360. This is run by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

Physical wellbeing is just as important - getting moving is also good for our mood. Try a 10-minute workout at home - www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-workouts/. You don’t need any specialist equipment and you can do them with your kids.

The Cumbria Children and Families Information Service page can help you find fun activities to do with your children and support you to make lockdown life a little more bearable: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrenandFamiliesInformationService.

Don’t forget to keep any existing treatment or medical appointments you may have - let services know you are staying at home and agree how you will continue to receive support.

I wish you good luck in finding the support you need as we all navigate this pandemic together.