Changing times

A couple of things…

So before I start with the main bit of my blog post there are just two things I wanted to cover, the first is that I realise there is so much info, comments, opinions, recommendations out there at the moment about coronavirus, I’m not writing this just to add to it, it is just potential sources of help from people like Anxiety UK and just how I am dealing with this and tips others might find useful.

The second is that I wanted to be clear that I realise that to some people with anxiety I will seem like one of the lucky ones, when we aren’t on lock down, I can go on with life relatively ‘normal’, I have a job, I socialise in a way I feel comfortable, I absolutely appreciate that for others with anxiety it has a much greater impact on their life than it does mine. I am not here saying that this is how life is for everyone who has anxiety this is and has always just been to share my personal experience with my level of anxiety in the hope that it can help some people know they aren’t alone and if any of my approaches or experiences can help even one person I will continue.

Changing times…

So as the title states we are indeed in unprecedented changing times, I know this is causing lots of anxiety in many many people, not just those who would had previously said they have anxiety.

I think the lack of control and not knowing what is happening from one day to the next with the continually changing picture is so unsettling for many. Also many of us are creatures of habit and this just throws everything up in the air.

When there is one area of our lives that is changing or in some state of turmoil we will likely become more stressed and anxious but I think generally we manage. With this its all areas, home life, work life, kids school life, the things we take for granted like popping to the shops for a readily available loaf of bread, seeing family and friends. I will stop there pointing it all out I know we are all aware, my point was its bound to feel totally overwhelming.

Planning…

So now its starting to sink in with me that this will be our new normal for the foreseeable future I am going to look at putting some plans in place to give some temporary structure to life, I don’t want to plan it to death but I think it will help.

To help my anxiety around this I am trying to limit the amount of time I spend watching the news and reading articles on line, it gets all consuming I find. I did read something earlier suggesting pick one time of day to get the updates and leave it at that, so I’m thinking the 6 o’clock news would be a good one, after my new working day but not the news just before bedtime.

When on social media I am skipping through not reading every article but trying to comment on where people are posting personal updates so there is still some interaction.

We have a dog so I am going to use walk times to get some air, get some exercise and get away from a screen to clear my head.

I love crafts and that is often my escape after a day at work or on a weekend so I will continue to sew, paint and I have a stack of books I’ve been wanting to read. We have subscribed to Netflix too so we can do some intermittent box set binge watching!

My job means I can continue to work from home and it will continue to be busy so I will just need to stay mindful of getting up and walking around the house to have those breaks you need.

My kids are teenagers so from that respect it is easier than having younger children, I think what I would say here is as a parent you don’t now need to become a teacher, the teachers are still in schools and will be doing an amazing job to keep resources going online, I’m sure there is an acceptance that learning will not be of the level it would be in school but I have confidence as we get through this and back to ‘normal’ plans will be put in place to get kids back to where they need to be.

Keeping social…

I think this is a real key one for me, I started a new job last Monday, its still in the Uni but within a new team, they have set up a social WhatsApp group and its great, I feel like I am already getting to know them, or certainly feeling like I fit in as they seem to have the same sense of humour as me! It makes you feel connected. Conference calls are happening and daily conversations. The team are looking at ways of keeping in touch and socialising so looking forward to see what comes from that.

Out of work I am on several WhatsApp groups now, sharing memes mainly but also just being able to say hey how are you guys today, have you seen this 30 day lego challenge for the kids, look what the dogs doing!

There are plans for virtual coffee mornings and knowing some friends that may stretch to wine evenings!

You are not on your own…

I think it will be easy to feel like that but this is one time when so many of us are having the same experiences, my advice for what its worth is when possible pick up the phone to talk to somewhere where you might have text previously. Join/setup groups with your friends.

I am not a counsellor but I believe I am a good listener so happy to be here to chat or text or email.

Finally there are some good resources and advice out there for how to help manage your anxiety at the moment. Anxiety UK have several blogs and videos https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources/  as do Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Stay well guys

C x

 

• Posted in: Anxiety ♦ Mental Health