Working in London, particularly in boroughs that have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus, there has been a marked shift in people presenting to mental health services. The prevalence of mental illness in parts of the capital are high, and this often correlates with a high population of BAME communities, which as we have all heard, have been impacted severely by Covid-19.
Although research is ongoing, trends at present are showing that in certain areas, the proportion of people from BAME backgrounds seeking help from mental health services as lockdown is coming to an end, is increasing, and in particular we are seeing a rise in people coming to us for the first time, as well as an increase in people who are in their 40s and 50s.
Whilst it has been refreshing to see mental health and well being talked about more openly in the past few years and particularly in the past few months during lockdown, it is important to recognise that we do not know what the long term implications of the pandemic and lockdown will be on people’s mental health, particularly as the economic effects are being revealed.
For most people, finding a way to get through lockdown, took a lot of emotional energy, but we pulled through, expecting things to return to some semblance of normal. As we watched this pandemic unfold, we learnt a lot about what our new normal may look like, and for many people this may be a source of a lot of stress.
Fear and anxiety are possibly the most common responses most people will feel as restrictions are eased. Many will fear becoming unwell with the virus, as it still lurks in the community, and others will fear passing it on to a loved one. It is important to recognise that this is a completely normal response, and risk can only be managed by people following the guidelines.
What we must acknowledge is that every time we go through change, even returning to something we once did regularly, it will feel unusual and scary, and can cause nervousness. This is because we haven’t done it in a while and forgot how it feels, for example returning to work, or going to the shops and having to wear face coverings etc. These feelings are normal, and can only be overcome by building up tolerance and returning to activities gradually, whether this is your work, or your social life.
Feeling angry or frustrated at other people’s behaviour or even making judgments about them can happen easily at a time like this, but it is important to not become preoccupied with these thoughts, or what other people are doing. It is important to take things at your own pace. Do not let the fact that other people appear to be finding this transition easier pressure you into moving faster than you are ready to. Lockdown has been very quiet and isolated for many people, and it is important for you to recognise if you don’t feel comfortable with certain things. Going into shops, using public transport, traffic, are all things that can be overwhelming when coming out of lockdown.
The “new normal” for most people will mean that we have to think of the day to day, as it is going to be very difficult to predict or plan for the rest of the year or perhaps even longer. It is easy to get caught up in moments like these but it can help to focus on what you have learnt and achieved in the past few months and focus on the present. Mindfulness and meditation can be useful tools but it is also important to try and relax and talk about how you are feeling to people you trust.
Remember to be accepting of your emotions and to approach yourself with a kindness that you would show to others. If you are finding it difficult to manage, please seek advice from a professional.
