Covid-19

COVID-19 – MENTAL HEALTH IN ISOLATION

The current situation we are dealing with is entirely unique. There is nothing we could do to prepare for it, because we didn’t know it was going to happen. Except for a few specialist virologists the idea of a pandemic of this proportion would, to most people be the stuff of a big screen blockbuster, not our daily lives. But nonetheless, here we are! In lockdown masked, gloved, and only allowed out for essential matters and a period of exercise. Holidays cancelled, concerts cancelled, weddings cancelled all the fun things we look forward to, that we worked hard for, on hold for the indefinite future.

THE CHALLENGE

This is a challenge for us as a generally social species, evolution has made us an animal that engages with others for our enjoyment, we like to play together, work together and enjoy our free time in the company of others. For some this will be a period that they will become hugely productive, one that they will enjoy and those people will thrive as they are able to be happy with their own company, they are confident in their life choices and will take the additional time to take pleasure in the chance to follow a new and unexplored path, perhaps study, find a new hobby, start a new challenge or just relax.

These people are the unusual ones.

THE TEST

For some this is going to be a period of extraordinary strangeness that tests their spirits to breaking points, relationships with family may become strained, stress levels with loss of work or financial difficulties may bring mental health issues to surface. Just having to be with the same people, even if they are your nearest and dearest may prove to be a stain on even on the closest of relationships.

For some the hardest thing may be staying away from those they love and are used to seeing regularly, as our society has evolved we have moved further away from our families, our ability to travel has increased and our reliance on cars planes and public transport networks has allowed us to work away whilst still maintaining close family relationships from distance. Now we no longer have these options, and this really will hurt for some.

The visits to that favourite aunt or Sunday dinner with grannie, that just can’t happen because she lives 70 miles away and is shielding.

THE CRISIS

But for a few, this situation is going to be a situation that may actually cost them their sanity, we could be approaching a point where there are people who live alone are actually physically going to suffer the most serious forms of depression due to being totally isolated.

Being alone is almost intolerable for some people and this kind of prolonged isolation may be the point where they can no longer cope, they will struggle to find a reason to be alive, struggle to find reasons to keep going and these people may not have the personal resources or contacts to reach out to. These people are the ones whos only daily personal contact might be at work, which they now are unable to attend, perhaps elderly persons living alone who go to the local shop just for a chat, or the abused wife/husband who now no longer has the ability to escape if the abuser becomes violent.

THE RESPONSIBILITY

We have a societal responsibility to these people to make sure that they come out of the other side of this lockdown whole. If there is someone in your life or on your street that you think may fall into this category, then please reach out to them, we need to look out for each other.

We are mainly at home so we are more likely to be becoming more aware of those that live around us. We may have chatted to neighbours over a fence we only usually give a quick wave to, perhaps spoken across the street to a dog walker, almost definitely sat and watched our street as this strange version of life passes by in a moment of boredom; in those moments or when you are out for your daily exercise, train yourself to be a little vigilant, pay attention to the doors that don’t open, those neighbours you haven’t seen for a few days, someone you might have a wee concern about.

THE THOUGHT

Think of something nice you might be able to do for them, a cup cake on the doorstep, a bright postcard just to say hello, something small as a wee gesture may be all it takes to bring joy to a bleak outlook. Its not about solving all the world’s problems or being a nosey neighbour it’s just about looking after the most vulnerable among us, taking care of the sore souls and the misused by allowing them to see that there is even one person out there that thinks in one moment that they are worth a thought. That could be the difference between life and death for some.

ITS ABOUT US

If you are reading this and fall into this last category, I want to tell you that there is a whole world out there ready to be with you, willing to guide you to places that at the moment you might not even be able to imagine, reach out, ask for guidance.

Whether it is anonymously online or by phone or by speaking to someone you know that is already part of your life story, or even here.

There is a light at the end of this lockdown darkness, and it is a bright one a healthier planet, a healthier population and hopefully a community spirit born from the support brought about during this unique period of history we are living in.

THE ACTION PLAN

If you fall into any category it is likely that there is something you could learn, we would love you to share those things with us so that we can help you have the best experience during these unusual days.

We are challenging ourselves to answer your emails with some awesome content so please drop us an email and let us know what you need

Email…. naturalwhispersretreats@outlook.com

AND FINALLY

Here at Natural Whispers Retreats we want to wish you the greatest health and happiness and let you know that we are here for all your personal development and wellness needs during this time. We will be available as an online service until things have settled back into some kind of normal again and can be contacted for advice and planning via all the usual routes noted on the site.

Stay healthy and we hope to see you soon