It seems that people aren’t taking lockdown quite so seriously this time. And really… not THAT much has changed. Our government has said that national lockdown will be for 4 weeks…. but schools are open and a lot of shops have found a way to still trade. However, the government support for employees (furlough) was supposed to end 1st November and it has now been extended to March. So many people (including me) don’t believe that the lockdown will end on 2nd December.
Now that the American election is over to wonderful results, it feels like the world can breathe again. You know what I always say… “If America sneezes then Britain catches a cold.” So now we can focus back on our own country and all that is happening with Lockdown 2.0.
We’re very much into the “stiff upper lip” and “keep calm and carry on” phase, but what if it’s hurting us? The thing about mental health is… it ALWAYS impacts us whether we realise it or not. So if you’re okay and are carrying on as normal with healthy coping strategies, that’s fantastic and I’m really glad for you – way to keep going! But there are a lot of people who are worried for their future and their children at school.
I’ve seen MANY people wanting the schools to shut down as more information is being brought to light. Researchers from Princeton University in the US and India studied more than 500,000 people who had been exposed to Covid-19, and discovered that just 8% of cases were responsible for 60% of new infections.
So I’m here to say… THIS IS HARD. We have all sorts of conflicting information from our government, people acting as if nothing is happening, people acting as if EVERYTHING is happening, and there’s still residual fear of us and/or our elderly family members getting sick, or maybe being one of the ones who doesn’t make it.
This is all really hard. And it’s okay to acknowledge it.
Simply put… this is overwhelming but you have evidence to support that you CAN do this. You got through the first lockdown and you can get through this one.
It seemed like during the first lockdown… everyone was ALL about learning new languages, starting a new side hustle, and being creative. And it was wonderful! Until it wasn’t. All that pressure to make and do things outside of comfort zones brought stress too.
You don’t HAVE to be super productive. We’re smack bang in the middle of a natural disaster. We’re trying to cope with school aged children and keeping safe, we’re worried about our families and jobs and… just everything. Try to give yourself a break and don’t put yourself under too much strain – EVERYONE needs some down time. Stop feeling guilty, if you want to read a book or have a soak in the bath do it. Pencil in some “me time” into your schedule.
Read on for more about work/life balance during lockdown.
It’s darker earlier. For those of us who thrive on sunshine (me!) this can be a tough time even without a pandemic. Be mindful of ways to bring some sunshine into your life. Better yet, pull on a jumper and hop outside for some exercise. Even though there are clouds, the sun is still out there!
These are all things we’ve talked about before. The way you eat and sleep also affects your mood. Decrease the sugar, increase the H20, eat more plant based meals. It WILL make a difference.
Covid-19 has made everything so much worse. Social isolation, fear, uncertainty… these all have a HUGE impact on our mental health. Add that on top of what we already deal with and it’s just SO much. It takes STRENGTH to ask for help. It takes COURAGE to reach out. You don’t have to do this alone, so seek help as soon as the warning signs start to raise their head.
Keeping those feelings in won’t help, so check in with yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Join the discussion on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Resources:
SupportLine Telephone Helpline: 01708 765200 (Helpline) email [email protected]
Confidential emotional support to Children Young People and Adults. Also keeps details of agencies, support groups and counsellors throughout UK.
Samaritans.org 116 123 (UK) 116 123 (ROI) A safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
SANE is a leading UK mental health charity. We work to improve quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. 0300 304 7000 4.30pm – 10.30pm daily
THE ASSOCIATION FOR POSTNATAL ILLNESS The Association provides a telephone helpline. information leaflets for sufferers and healthcare professionals as well as a network of volunteers, (telephone and postal), who have themselves experienced postnatal illness.
Helpline: 020 7386 0868, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:00am-2:00pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00am-5:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.apni.org
BIPOLAR UK (Previously called MDF – The Bipolar Organisation.) A user-led charity that works to enable people affected by bipolar disorder (manic depression) to take control of their lives. Provides information, and a wide range of support services for members. Also helps people by supporting self-management, and with a national helpline and local self help groups throughout the UK.
Helpline: 0845 634 0540, Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mdf.org.uk
DEPRESSION ALLIANCE Supports people with experience of depression through a pen-friend scheme, membership and newsletter. Provides information and publications and campaigns to raise awareness of depression. Also operates a network of local self help groups throughout the UK, with support for new groups and information about existing groups. Click here…
Telephone: 0845 123 23 20 (to request an information pack only)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.depressionalliance.org
MEET A MUM An online forum offering support and friendship to all mothers and mothers-to-be, especially those feeling lonely or isolated after the birth of a baby or moving to a new area. Website: http://meetamumuk.forumotion.co.uk
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER ASSOCIATION (SADA) Information and membership packs for people effected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (also generally known as winter depression). Website: www.sada.org.uk
