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Writer's pictureClaire Payne

A Mental Health Pandemic

Updated: Jan 27, 2021



Before COVID entered our lives, there was a lot of talk about a "mental health crisis", now I think it's fairly widely acknowledged that this seemingly never ending pandemic has been disastrous for our mental health and that now we will be facing another pandemic of a different kind. This one isn't contagious in the same way, however I think it can spread. You only need to look on any social media to see the anger and frustration in people and they're taking it out on others. I'm extremely fortunate, my little corner of the internet is mostly filled with positive, warm and encouraging messages but you don't need to look very far to find that negativity.


Before lashing out at those who are hiding behind their computers and being cruel to others on social media, think about what might be going on for them. If you think about it, it's completely understandable that they're angry and upset, it's just they could do with finding a more constructive way of dealing with that anger.


Loneliness has also increased. I think this one is fairly obvious what with seemingly being in and out lockdowns and not allowed to mix with other households. I wonder how many divorces will come out of this. I also wonder how many babies there will be ;).


Humans are pack animals, we're not designed to be locked away from each other, so is it any wonder so many people are struggling? I think the true legacy of this pandemic is the damage it's done to our minds and that could last for decades, generations even, if we don't tackle it now.


I encourage you to take just a few minutes per day, it can be as little as 2 to just check in with yourself. Note how you're feeling and practice acknowledging and accepting it. Not trying to distract yourself, or dismissing your emotions but accepting that this is how you feel right now. It will pass and it is difficult but arguably it is far more difficult to ignore those feelings than face them head on, as they end up weighing you down. They leak into other aspects of your life.


When you get on a plane, in the safety talk they always say to fit your own mask before helping someone else. This is the same kind of thing. You can't be compassionate and able to truly support someone else if you yourself are struggling with the weight of your emotions.


Mindfulness feels a bit like a buzz word of the moment but it's really key to helping you through difficult times. It's actually taken from Buddhism and is about being present in the moment, don't focus on what you can't control or change. For example, you can't change the past, so there isn't any benefit from staying in it.


Being present is one of the best things my daughter has taught me. She lives for the moment. She's not worried about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. She's all about the here and now and what is happening right at that moment. Admittedly isn't always what she wants to be doing, such as climbing the bookcase on her bedroom wall, or standing on the dining table chairs but you can't have everything!


Just give it a go, even if you start small. When you're brushing your teeth in the morning for example, pay attention to what you're doing. Don't think about anything else, just for that time and see how you feel after, or if you're lucky enough to be able to sit and drink a cup of tea or coffee in peace (and while it's still warm), give the drink your full attention. If you find your mind wandering just notice and bring it back to what you're doing in that moment. It takes a lot of practice so don't be hard on yourself if you find it tricky at first. It's actually much more difficult to master than you think!


Unfortunately COVID-19 isn't going away particularly soon but we can take action now to get on top of the impending second pandemic by each taking small steps to support our own mental health and if you're really struggling and feeling unable to cope, there is absolutely no shame in seeking help.


Try to find, even just 2 minutes each day to do something for you and if possible get outside! Never underestimate the affect of some fresh air in your lungs :).


I sincerely hope this has helped even just one person. If you are finding it difficult to cope, feeling hopeless, overwhelmed or struggling with any difficult feelings then there is help out there:


Claire xx







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