Struggling: The COVID-19 Pandemic - Therapy with Bridget

COVID and Lockdown - the impact on our mental health and wellbeing

Are you struggling with how you feel at the moment? It’s easy to ‘minimise’, or not appreciate the impact of what we’re living through on how we feel, relate, and cope. I believe it’s important to remind ourselves (and maybe others) of the gravity of what’s going on around us. This blog considers some ways the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people’s mental health and wellbeing.

You might have struggled with your mental health prior to 2020, or maybe not. Either way, it’s difficult to imagine that the pandemic hasn’t had some impact on your mood, routine, relationships, or emotions. The slower pace of life has suited some people, and there have been benefits. Some people say it’s been great for them to re-connect with their kids, have more time for their hobbies; some people see the benefits of working from home. Home working was something disability groups had long requested but which hadn’t been normalised by most workplaces before the pandemic. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) describe a positive ‘pulling together effect’ at the beginning of the pandemic, which was linked with initially reduced suicide rates in Japan. It’s been nice for me, seeing more mental health support and information being shared online, and to see how my community has pulled together. Whilst noting these positives and appreciating people’s ability to survive adversity, it is important to acknowledge the challenges, to individuals, organisations, and society. COVID and lockdown brought challenges that have made things harder. In the UK we are without an end-date for a return to our previous way of life and people are struggling. As we come to almost a year since the first UK lockdown, I think it’s important to reiterate this; COVID is not only creating challenges but is worsening existing problems.

Research points to lockdown and the pandemic increasing problems with eating, sleeping, and relationships. Beat, the eating disorder charity, says that the pandemic is having a, “profound, negative impact on nine out of ten people with experience of eating disorders”. Beat explain psychological wellbeing is being negatively impacted by decreased feelings of control, increased social isolation, increased thoughts about disordered eating, and reduced social support. Beat encourages people struggling with eating to contact their helpline, on, 0808 801 0677 (adults), or, 0808 801 0711 (children, under 18). Research has found that COVID-19 impacts people’s sleep, as a result of its impact on mental health, concerns over having the virus, but also because of changes in habits and self-isolation. The British Psychological Society (BPS) surveyed people on the impact of COVID on their relationships. Many felt supported by partners, but, more than a quarter said they had felt lonely in the relationship during lockdown. 53 percent said they had felt sexually connected with their partner. Relate reminds us that relationships, “aren’t built on the expectation that you’ll be spending all day, every day with that person, so give yourself a break if you’re finding it challenging”. And what about being single in the pandemic? BPS found that 90 percent of those looking for a relationship have experienced loneliness during the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, 79 percent of single people have struggled to meet new people.

It’s easy to forget the gravity of what we’re living through – after all, it’s the normal now, and is something we haven’t chosen. But when we forget to note the changes and the challenges of lockdown, we can forget to give ourselves some slack. Maybe thinking that there’s something wrong with us, rather than the situation we find ourselves in being highly challenging. Maybe we are feeling lonely, hopeless, bored. It can be helpful to remind yourself of the time we’re living through; one of uncertainty, loneliness, financial hardship, change, and isolation. These are not things typically associated with helping mental health! We are social beings, and even the most introverted of us are likely to find challenges with this way of life.

The British Medical Journal states that those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with pre-existing problems with mental health, have been more likely to experience suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. Samaritans are there to listen, 24 hours a day – text/call 116 123. Shout offer 24 hour text support, you can text 85258 and speak to a specially trained crisis volunteer. Children and young people (18-25) can call Childline, 0800 1111, where they can speak to a counsellor one-to-one online or on the phone. In Liverpool, James’ Place is one place that supports men who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and their website has a referral form. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out if you can. Even it there’s a wait, there will be someone who will listen, and sharing can help. Sharing can reduce our feelings of loneliness and isolation. You deserve support.

In summary then, I think it’s important to remember that the pandemic is creating environments which are known to be detrimental to our mental health. When we forget this, we might forget to be kind to ourselves, or feel we are maybe doing something wrong. We are in a situation outside of our control, and as it’s new, we can’t draw from our previous experiences to figure out a best course of action. Those who had struggled with mental health pre-pandemic, are likely to be experiencing worsened symptoms and having a tough time. Those in at-risk groups are struggling more with suicidal thoughts at this time. I hope people feel able to reach out if things get too much but acknowledge this doesn’t always feel possible when you’re feeling low. Maybe it helps to normalise the idea that this isn’t supposed to be easy – things are a struggle right now.

I feel like ending on a positive note. A friend said something about lockdown the other day which I thought was really helpful. They have given me permission to share their message.

“I know things will get easier one day. Lockdown will end. And things might feel more manageable for a lot of people then. We have to believe there will be opportunities to come and opportunities to make things better.”

At a time when people are struggling themselves, I have seen people dropping things off to those who can’t go out, volunteering, offering reduced rate services. I’ve seen people giving to foodbanks, giving food to the homeless, saying hello, sharing petitions online, and caring for each other. Sending check in messages, on days where they can’t get out of bed themselves. Community is important and I see community in action where I live. This helps with how I feel in myself and in how I view the world around me. Voluntary organisations in Liverpool and Sefton doing a lot for their communities. There are organisations who want to be there for people and are trying to provide, even when they are more stretched than ever. These are hard times. During these hard times, however, I’ve seen so many people pull together.

If you would like to access private counselling with me, please call or text 07955 769 875, or email, tysoncarrcounselling@gmail.com

I have included some organisations that might be able to support below, and you can contact your GP for mental health support.

In an emergency, call 999 or present at A&E.