Mental health after lockdown – restrictions are easing, the vaccination programme is steaming ahead, the number of cases is dropping – finally there seems to be light at the end of the long, dark Covid-19 tunnel. Are we finally going to be back to ‘normal’?
It has been a difficult year or more, of that there is no doubt, and in so many ways. There has been a marked increase in the number of people who have found that their mental health after lockdown has suffered due to isolation from loved ones, health concerns or financial worries. A recent survey has found that 1 in 5 people have experienced feelings of depression between the end of January and beginning of March 2021 – double the rate of previous years and pre-pandemic (ONS).
But now those aspects of life which many of us have missed are gradually returning and once again finding their place in our lives, and we can slowly breathe a collective sigh of relief and dare to hope that the worst may be behind us. Depression and anxiety may subside for some as life slowly returns to resembling how it was pre-pandemic. For some however, the return to the big, wide world and life as ‘normal’ may not be an easy or comfortable transition to make.
Having spent months away from those we love and care about, away from work colleagues and our places of work or study, told to keep our distance and be wary of what we touch and where we go, it can suddenly be very daunting to suddenly be able to go back to the freedoms we all enjoyed without a second thought and, perhaps to some extent, took for granted pre-pandemic. Anxiety levels may be running high as we are allowed to venture further away from our homes and to mix with others, to enter public places with greater numbers of people and with greater freedoms. How can we know that it is really safe to do so? And will it (Covid) come back, perhaps even stronger than before?
Leaving the safety of our homes once more, returning to the simple, routine activities that we once never really thought about – going to the supermarket, driving the car, mixing with others socially, having a haircut, going to the dentist – suddenly have both a new sense of novelty and even joy about them. But also, maybe a sense of danger for some who feel only anxiety and fear when re-joining ‘normal’ life once again and having to re-adjust.
Some of us will embrace the return to ‘freedom’ quickly and will see it as the tonic we need to restore calm, order and mental well-being. For others, more time will be needed to re-adjust to being ‘out there’ again. For all of us it will take time to once again feel comfortable doing the things we all once did and viewed as ‘normal’ – and we will all adjust in different ways and at a different pace. Those who are finding the transition stressful, may find taking small, baby steps back to normality helpful and easier to do than a full-blown dive back into ‘normal’ life, to build confidence and trust again with our surroundings and those around us and to once again feel like life has returned to ‘normal’.
‘Normal’ however may never be what it was. The pandemic has changed life so profoundly – how we live, work, socialise, perhaps our finances, our families (especially if we have lost loved ones to the virus) and also how we view life. We may be viewing life as a result of the pandemic either with greater anxiety or perhaps with a greater appreciation of what we have and the simple things in life such as our relationships with others, nature and the environment, spending more time with family and doing things which make us happy rather than allowing ourselves to be overwhelmed by the stresses of modern life and what was once ‘normal’.
Coping with anxiety involves acknowledging your feelings, taking gradual steps, and seeking support from loved ones or mental health professionals if needed. Start by slowly reintroducing activities and practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress.
While restrictions are easing and vaccination rates are increasing, it’s essential to remain cautious and follow recommended guidelines from health authorities. Evaluate the local COVID-19 situation, wear masks in crowded areas, and maintain physical distancing when possible to reduce the risk of transmission.
Mental health challenges may persist for some individuals even as restrictions ease. It’s crucial to recognize that the impact of the pandemic on mental well-being can vary among individuals. Seeking support, practicing self-care, and maintaining open communication with trusted individuals can help navigate these challenges.
Managing the fear of a resurgence involves staying informed about the current situation, following public health guidance, and focusing on what you can control. Practice mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment and limit exposure to excessive media coverage that may increase anxiety.
While life may gradually resemble pre-pandemic routines, it’s important to acknowledge that the experience has profoundly influenced society. As we move forward, individuals may have a renewed appreciation for simple joys, prioritize mental well-being, and adapt to changes in work, socializing, and daily life.
