Let's talk about how we can manage our feelings of the easing of the COVID lockdown.
As of 12th April, the lockdown rules will be changing. It's important to manage feelings of lockdown easing.
Pubs and restaurants serving outside can reopen as planned next Monday, along with
all non-essential shops, gyms, beauty shops and hairdressers, as England's lockdown is further eased, the PM has said.
Lockdown has been difficult for many of us and a lot of people are going to have worries and concerns as the restrictions gets lifted and we are able to mix out in public again. It’s only natural to feel anxious about it all, after so long in a national lockdown. With the rules changing, things might feel less clear and their will be new challenges.
Firstly, let's be clear. I like many others am itching to get out and see people. I've been day dreaming about my first trip back to IKEA, coffee dates with friends, nights out dancing and being able to go out to restaurants and eat as much food as my stomach can possibly fit. But I realise that many others will not feel the same level of excitement as if it's Christmas Eve and you're waiting for the morning to arrive so you can finally open all the presents that you've worked out are yours.
With the COVID lockdown easing, people are going to have very different thoughts about the rules lifting. I don't mean to assume but I think the majority of us are just aching for a sense of normality (unless you really DO enjoy working from home and being a recluse, then good for you.)
What are the Mental Health (MH) challenges?
Many people will have concerns as the rules ease. Feelings of uncertainty, stress and anxiety will be high for many of us.
Feeling anxious about going and mixing in public again after so long in a national lockdown are expected. Especially if you have been shielding and following the rules strictly. This may also apply to those more vulnerable to the virus and those of us with mental health concerns. You may worry about there being an increase in coronavirus infections, or about getting COVID yourself. The world may now seem unsafe, whether or not you felt like this before the pandemic. Feelings of anger and frustration may affect you. This may be because people aren’t following social distancing rules, and you’re not able to avoid them. Or because you think the changes are wrong. Other people may seem to have more freedom than you, if they are able to get out when they want to and you cannot. Feeling conflicted or confused is natural when there is a lot of change. For example, you may want to socialise more if it’s allowed, but feel like perhaps you should still stay at home. You may feel especially conflicted if the people around you seem to feel differently about the changes to the rules. You might be feeling a little confused with the rule and what exactly you can and cannot do.
You may be under pressure to return to work when you can’t, or when you feel it’s not safe to. Or you may feel pressure to continue working from home, even if you’ve found it a difficult experience. If you're returning to work with the general public, you may feel like the changes will make your work more difficult or higher risk.
Coping with uncertainty
It’s important to acknowledge that these feelings are reasonable and to expect them. If you're feeling anxious about the rules easing or you're having concerns speak to someone you trust. Talk to your family or friends and get your thoughts off your chest. If your concerns are work related, speak to your boss or a fellow employee. Speak to a doctor if you feel as though these worries are being too much for you to handle. It might feel hard to start talking about how you are feeling. But many people find that sharing their experiences can help them feel better. Having someone listen to you and show they care can help in itself.
If you aren't able to open up to someone close to you, you can call Samaritans any time on 116 123.
Don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself time to adjust to the new rules. Everyone has their own response to lockdown changes, and it’s important to take things at your own pace. Make changes you can control. Although the coronavirus rules means that your choices are limited, try to focus on the things you can change, rather than the things that are outside your control. For example, limiting the amount of news you read when you are struggling may help.
Picking up our social lives
Some of us are desperate to go out again, people can't wait to get back out, see our loved ones and get back to normality. But others will be nervous about doing so and going back into shops, pubs and restaurants, or unable to do so because of their situations. Some people will be nervous about going out and being around more people.
Take your time with whatever you decide to do. If you're planning on going out, take precautions when you can. Follow the safe measure in place.
Stay safe our there
The safety measures are still in place to keep yourself and everyone else safe. It’s still important to wash your hands, wear a mask, use hand sanitiser and keep two meters apart from other people.
You must wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport, unless you are exempt. Please remember to keep your mask on covering your mouth and nose. This is the law.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitiser, regularly throughout the day will reduce the risk of catching or passing on the virus
You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.
Go easy on each other
It’s said again and again but you really don’t know what other people are going through. Be kind and don't just assume someone else's feelings or thoughts are the same as yours. Respect other people's feelings and worries. You might feel fine going out but others will still be feeling scared, some will have major concerns.
Try to look out for one another and remember to keep your distance when out and about, it's still really important to take precautions. I think we all deserve to enjoy life but keep each other safe.
I am mainly writing this post, to mentally prepare myself along with everyone else who is returning back to work on Monday 12th April.
So if any of this interests you or you’re just curious to see what I rant about next, please stay tuned and follow The Lifestyle Change on social media to keep up to date with new posts!
Anyway until next time, sending positive energy to you all,
Jade
DISCLAIMER: I am not a certified expert, I am not a professional and I am not medically trained. This series mainly serves to share all the information I have learned from credible sources. If you are in anyway affected by this subject or this post, please seek professional help, 'The Lifestyle Change' is no way affiliated with the links below.
Helpline's and website's to visit for advise and support. The following charities are here to help you:
NHS - Hours: Available 24 hours/7 days a week
Phone: 111
NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing - Website for help and support
Samaritans - Hours: Available 24 hours.
Phone: 116 123
Samaritans website - https://www.samaritans.org/
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Phone: 0800 953 0110
SHOUT - Hours: Free 24 hours confidential text service.
Text: 85258
Anxiety UK - Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm (Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition).
Phone: 03444 775 774
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic - Hours: 7 days a week. 10am - 10pm (Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)).
Phone: 0300 772 9844 - Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Mind - Manage feelings about lockdown easing.
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