EMERGING FROM LOCKDOWN

So what challenges has COVID-19 brought to you?

• Not having contact with loved ones

• Changes in our jobs

• Changes in our healthcare

• Having to be more aware of our actions

• Dealing with uncertainty

• Having to slow down (although this may be a positive for some)

• Changes to daily activities

• Challenges in making sure we meet our basic needs

• Ensuring we attend to our own self-care

Thinking about the above how have these changes impacted your own mental health?

• Loneliness

• Fear

• Anger & Frustration

• Sadness & Grief

• Confusion

• Feeling trapped and out of control

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Feeling hopeless

• Relief

Firstly, remember that it is NORMAL to feel any of the above. This is a global pandemic and its okay not to feel okay all of the time.

We are facing uncertainty even now as we come out of lockdown and our brains don’t like uncertainty and will respond with stress and anxiety, our primitive brains kick in (the fight/flight/freeze part).

We need to look after ourselves so …….

• Focus on what we can control

• Look at what you CAN do

• Make intellectual, here & now choices

Feelings – Notice how you are feeling and name it. Ignoring and suppressing emotions will not get rid of them and they will build up and top up that “stress bucket”.

Often difficult emotions come with difficult thoughts and worries.

Observe your thoughts and notice when this happens

Focus on the HERE & NOW and what you need to manage

• Talk to a Friend or Family Member

• Find a Counsellor or Hypnotherapist

• Exercise

• Practice Mindfulness

• Visualise your distressing thoughts leaving your body and floating away

• Learn some breathing techniques

• Find a safe, quiet place you can comfort yourself in

Looking after yourself is imperative, we can all self-soothe. What to you find soothing? Often the senses kick in here with sound, touch, taste or smell.

• Listening to a calming or uplifting song?

• Looking at pictures of nature, holidays or loved ones?

• Lighting a scented candle?

• Snuggling up in a soft blanket?

• Eating your favourite food?

• Taking a walk?

• Reading a book?

Do things that MATTER TO YOU

This might be in a different way to how you did them before but identify what brings you pleasure, joy, calm and a sense of fulfilment. We will find a way to the new “normal” ………