Mental Health for all
The year 2020 has led to Mental Health being recognised and understood on a massive scale as the world experiences the unprecedented impact of the current global health pandemic.
Our social lives have been hindered by lockdown and by the necessary distancing guidelines that we have been required to make. For the first time for the majority of the population, we had to isolate and stay in our homes with no real idea on the effects of this or how to handle it. These are huge lifestyle changes that came into effect suddenly, with little time to understand what exactly is going on, causing utter panic.
We saw shopping wars, with shoppers bulk buying due to the fear of the unknown and never living through a lockdown before. Which then had a knock on effect and caused others to panic buy fearing they will go without if there is nothing left, these mentalities created a food shortage, with simple essentials like toilet paper and flour being completely sold out for weeks, months in some cases. We heard of 1000’s of people being made redundant and struggling to find jobs to make ends meet, or those who were lucky enough to keep their jobs, were put on furlough and recieved 80% of their normal salary. Finances are becoming a major issue for the majority of households, leading to financial pressures such as a lack of food and nutrients or struggling to pay rent or bills.
It has been nearly 7 months now, and honestly I have learnt little about COVID-19 but loads on life, society and the world on a wider scale. We need to remember that during this World Health pandemic, comes many other pandemics, including mental health, financial pressures and domestic violence and abuse. It’s easy to be selfish during this time, we’re concerned and confused, so it’s natural to focus on ourselves and loved ones. However let’s be kind and do better, and do what we can to support one another through this tough time.
The New Normal
As the world struggles to bring the virus under control and to find solutions, we continue to adapt to the new normal, but how does this make us feel?
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health was 'mental health for all', which is fitting, as having a threat to physical health can put strain on mental health, and with COVID-19 spreading quickly and viciously, we are all under threat of catching it. For those who were struggling with their mental health before the pandemic, this was and still is, a huge weight to add on top.
High levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, uncertainty and emotional distress have become widespread, with 60% of adults and 68% of young people saying their mental health has got worse during lockdown (Mind, June 2020). These numbers are due to continue to grow the longer we are facing restrictions locally and nationally, and with the threat of possible further lockdown measurements. It is undisputed that the current COVID-19 emergency will have long-lasting consequences and effects on the mental health of all people, affecting the general population with heightened stress, and taking children (our future leaders) out of education for months.
We may be experiencing the pandemic differently to each other, as we are at different stages of lives it affects everyone differently. However it’s important to remember that we are all in this situation together.
So, what can each of us do to look after our own mental health and support other peoples’ during these difficult times?
Understanding the current situation to a healthy extent; Having an understanding of what is going on with COVID-19 is important, and we should all know the latest restrictions and advice from the Government, to enable us to manage our days as much as possible. I suggest staying away from watching the news on a daily basis, being exposed to the death toll and infection rates every day is intense and can cause negative emotions and thoughts.
Meditation & Journaling; Starting with some soothing music in the background, breathe in and out slowly, setting your mind and body to relax. Note down how you feel each day, what you are leaving behind from the day and what you are taking with you (there is something to take from everyday, dig deep if needed).
Take a break; focus on positive parts of your life, eat a good meal, read, listen to music, take a bath, or connect with family and friends.
Work out, keep active; This does not have to involve going to the gym, do whatever you do to workout, going for a walk with the pram, game in the park with the kids, yoga, pilates, a simple stretch routine. Just keep your body moving!
Reflect on other times you survived; Recognize how your own past experiences affect your way of thinking and feeling about this event. Remember that you got through it! So think of how you handled your thoughts, emotions, and behavior around past events.
These are just a few suggestions that can alleviate the behavioral, physical, emotional, and cognitive reactions we are having to the pandemic.
Please check out the helplines page if you are seriously struggling and need to contact professional support.
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