How to look after your mental health as lockdown begins to lift

Shops are opening, some children are back at school, and lockdown will be lifting even further in less than two weeks. We should all be feeling relieved, excited, and generally better than we have for months – right?

Well, maybe not. We’ve written before about the impact lockdown has had on the mental health of everyone in the UK, and beyond. And the gradual easing of lockdown, for many people, is bringing up a range of thoughts and feelings that could have a negative effect on your mental health. We’ve put together some resources that could help.

Remember you’re not alone

If you’re finding that the prospect of lockdown lifting is negatively impacting your mood, the first thing to know is that this is not weird or unusual. A quick Google reveals that there are many, many people experiencing just the same thing. And Mind have quite a long list of the different ways people are reacting to this change.

After weeks and weeks of living under very strict rules, we now all have a lot of uncertainty to deal with. It’s totally normal to find that difficult.

Get the information you need

In times of uncertainty it can really help to be armed with information, so you know what your rights and responsibilities are, and where to get support if you need it. So if you’re not sure what the current coronavirus rules are in your area, look at the government’s coronavirus website. You can find specific information there about how to stay safe at work, if that’s something you’re concerned about.

And if you’re worried that your rights are not being enforced – for example, that you’re not getting financial support you should be entitled to, or your employer isn’t doing everything they should to keep you safe – there’s a great list on the Mind website of organisations that can provide practical help.

Beyond that, be wary of information overload – sometimes, being bombarded with conflicting news reports and social media posts can enhance those feelings of anxiety and negative mood. It might help to limit the time you spend watching the news or checking social media. And try to focus on how you and your immediate family can respond to the changing situation, rather than what friends, neighbours or people you follow on social media are doing.

In other words, focus on the aspects of the situation that are within your control. We like Mind’s suggestion: try listing the things you can change on one piece of paper, and all the things you can’t on another.

Get help if you need it

• Both Mind and the Mental Health Foundation have useful guides on how to manage your mental health as we come out of lockdown.
• If you need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or CALM on 0800 585858.
• If you’re worried that the situation is affecting the mental health of a child you care for, take a look at the Mental Health Foundation’s advice on talking to children about coronavirus.
• The Mind website has advice on what to do if you’re living with an existing mental health problem.

Let us know if you need help with your finances

Problems with money can have a negative effect on your mental health at any time – but especially right now.

Whatever happens to your money over the next few months, there is a solution – and we’re here to help. Take a look at our main coronavirus blog for information about your debt solution. And don’t forget you can always give us a call if you want to chat through your options.

 

We’re posting regular updates for customers on our website so please keep checking for more information.

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