Dealing with anxiety post lockdown
The shops have reopened, restaurants are calling and going back to a new working environment is on the horizon. But the easing of COVID restrictions isn’t exciting for everyone and for those suffering with anxiety and caring for someone; life after lockdown could be a scary prospect. As mental health awareness week (10th-16th May) and the next phase of the roadmap coming out of lockdown (17th May) there’s never been a better time to talk about how all this is making us feel.
Spending time alone has become normal
Anxiety, a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, can be mild or severe. The lack of social interaction during the pandemic has caused us to question our confidence about basic socialising and day to day activities that we once took for granted. New comfort zones have naturally been adopted and spending time alone or in a bubble has become normal, leaving many feeling that they now have to push themselves back into the post lock down world. Emotions and feelings are running high and you might even be questioning topics of conversations and what to talk about?
Take it at your own pace
Things to consider if you feel like this are it’s a marathon, not a race. It’s been one year of adapting and it could be another year to gently adapt to the new norm. Take it at your own pace, focus on the present and remind yourself that worrying isn’t going to solve any problems. Instead of stressing, try to redirect your energy into thinking what you can do to feel more at ease? Try to concentrate on what’s in front of you.
How technology can help
Post lockdown assistive care can also add an extra dimension. You’re not only looking after the wellbeing of yourself, but you have the worries, fears, and concerns of the person you’re looking after. It’s important to remember there are aids out there to help you both. Utilising care alarm technologies that provide a safer and more secure care environment at home, day and night, are instrumental to helping minimise stress and coping with the days ahead.
Our products are designed and developed in house offering a complete range of support options for a truly personalised care package to suit your situation. Providing high-level monitoring without the need for intrusive 24-hour care presence, they not only offer vulnerable users protection whilst maintaining their independence, they also lighten the load for those caring with situations including Epilepsy, Dementia, Alzheimer’s and ADHD.
It's ok not to be ok
As society opens up, life may resume for many, but for others it may just take a little bit longer. It’s therefore important that you employ everything that you can to manage the transition out of lockdown for you and the person you’re caring for. And, as always reach out for help if you need to:
@mentalhealth – Samaritans – Call 116123 24 hour support @Samaritans – Shout Crisis Text Service – Text Shout to 85258 @GiveUsAShout – Mind 0300 123 3393 @MindCharity
