There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has brought about additional worries, many of which have no real answers. For those who already suffer from mental or chronic illness controlling our anxiety can seem like an impossible task. When you’re forcefully placed in the arms of uncertainty things can begin to feel out of control.
I’m no stranger to isolation. Before COVID-19 hit I’d just stepped back into the workplace after a year of being deemed unable to work. Instead of returning to the pressure of health and safety, I was working in a local grocery store. It was tough making the transition but I was finally able to get out among people within my own community. I was able to break the isolation I’d felt for over a year, trapped in a tiny village, miles from home and with no friends or family nearby. Now I’d made friends that I could count on, people I could say hello to as I walked by. It was a far cry from my former life but I was proud of myself all the same.
But just weeks after stepping into my uniform, COVID-19 struck. Without warning, I was thrown back into a world where I was largely by myself. Being socially anxious meant that phone calls and video chats, although fantastic ways of communication, were hard to cope with. And then there was the prospect of not receiving face to face mental health support for an undetermined amount of time. How would I cope without weekly weigh-ins? What if my weight either dropped too low or skyrocketed due to lower activity levels? Then there was the initial realization that I could get ill and, if I did, the possibility of recovery was slim.
Isolation can easily lead to an onset of depression and hopelessness, both of which can be debilitating. It’s important that we remember that we’re not alone! Everyone is bound to be feeling the pinch of loneliness, even if they are isolating with loved ones.
But the 21st century is a wonderful thing! We can contact our loved ones in pretty much any way possible, from snail-mail to live video chat! Provided your granny knows how, why not give her a Wattsapp video call?
02. Now is the time to enjoy your hobbies or discover new ones!
Enjoy reading? Pick up a few new books from Amazon for your Kindle. If you’re into painting why not order a few canvases and start your next masterpiece? Now is the time to fall back in love with your hobbies. Who knows, maybe you’ll get crafty and take up crochet or knitting?
03. Practice self-care as much as possible.
Run yourself a bubble bath, place the laptop safely out of harm’s way and hit play on your favourite Netflix show. Hell, pop on a facemask while you’re at it!
Note: If you have any curious felines, kids or partners ensure that you keep the door locked for maximum relaxation! [Unless you want your partner present! There’s no judgment here.]
04. Keep a ‘worry’ journal.
I’ve been journalling using Evernote over the last few days. Instead of worrying about my handwriting or trying to think up a well-structured post, I’ve just been typing all my worries onto a document that no one else will ever see. There’s no pressure to be perfect (although my mind will tell me otherwise). It’s really helped me unravel some of the bigger issues floating around in my skull such as those which are financial and weight-related.
05. Remember your helplines.
Please, please, please remember to reach out for help when you no longer feel that you can cope on your own.
UK numbers.
If you feel unsafe or unable to keep yourself safe please call 999 (or your equivalent) for emergency medical assistance or go to A&E. Even in the current climate, it’s important that we remember that we deserve help just like anyone else. Yes, times are tough for the hospitals but don’t hesitate to call if you genuinely feel you need to.
If you have any other helplines you would like me to add, including those from different countries, please feel free to get in touch in the comments.
Above all else remember to stay safe during these difficult times. Self-isolate if you need to and look out for those who are vulnerable in your life. You may be feeling antsy and eager for a barbeque in that lovely weather, but keep it among you and your family. DO NOT attend or host any gatherings with anyone outside your own home.
Stay home and stay safe.
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26 January 2021
I agree that what’s happening will eventually takes its toll. So it’s important to keep ourselves in check and have our coping mechanisms ready. I’m so glad that I got into blogging. It’s a great outlet of energy, and it helps me create so many things.
peoples are everywhere facing difficulties under the lockdown, we cannot go to visit, we cannot go for park in these days.. we all are isolated at home…… thanks for sharing more knowledge of isolation.
I going out for me at the moment is easier with my mental health issues, because Covid is real but it is a genuine concern which most of my others are not. Another thing is when I go out their are no crowds as every body is social distancing. This may be helped by living in a place that has not been majorly hit with the virus.
These are such smart tips to help all of us during this time to keep negative thoughts and feelings at bay. It always helps to remember we are in this together. Thanks for sharing!
These activities have to be critical for those suffering from mental illness. I know there have been times the anxiety has been too much for me and I don’t struggle with mental illness. I will be exercising these myself!
these are all great tips! <3 I launched a 30-day blog challenge in my blog to keep me busy and productive this period. It's working!
My trick to keeping sane is working. My life has not changed much since the lock down. I was working before and I am still working. Busier than ever and keeping happy that way. 🙂
These are helpful tips during this time when we’re isolated in our own homes. Hopefully this too shall end soon and we can go back to our normal lives. Keep safe!
I don’t know how long this lockdown and isolation will be, but I am glad that I can do my indoor activities, and I have lots of things to keep me occupied! First, I am thankful that I learned how to sew in grade school. It keeps me focus and hopeful.
This covid 19 has so much tortured parents especially on the lower class on what to feed their children. It is such a torment seeing them suffer.
For someone who is suffering with anxiety, you sound like you are doing great! I live with my husband and son, and am having a tough time of it. Good on you for keeping such a positive attitude.
This pandemic has positive and negative effects to people who are in quarantine. It is a difficult time but mental health must also be prioritize.
Mental health is a serious concern in the current times. I am a journalist and glad that my days remain busy, filing stories and editing. Would have found it otherwise very difficult to cope.
Great tips! Although I am confident that with God’s mercy, this crisis will be over but I have no idea how soon. I think the best thing is to keep ourselves busy and refocused from all the uncertainties. I also posted 18 P’s you need to do during this global pestilence.
Great tips! We have different ways of coping. Sometimes, I make myself busy and sometimes, I slow down.