A few months ago, when I thought of writing this post, it actually started with a title of ‘Walls’. I envisioned it as a blog about the breaking down of barriers that we all set for ourselves. However, now that we are all isolating, shielding or practicing social distancing measures in our day to day lives, we are all experiencing the physical restrictions of walls and barriers and it has become very apparent that walls are not only physical but also trap us within the confines of our own minds. It has also become quite obvious to me the similarities between the both; maybe bringing about feelings of fear, loss of freedom, and a lack of control but on the other hand a feeling of safety and comfort to others who feel more concern about the time when restrictions that we are currently under can be lifted.

It is often the elderly that struggle with isolation and all that it brings with it, however in the current climate we are all getting a taste of the anxieties and upsets that they face every day. The Coronavirus pandemic has been a steep learning curve for all of us and we have all struggled to find our ways to cope. My concern though is about what happens when the Coronavirus pandemic is behind us; about the possibility of a rise in people struggling with mental health concerns. Meaning that now more than ever it is important to look after ourselves, and where we can, each other in an attempt to limit this.

One very important way that we can do this is through contact. Find ways to keep in touch with friends, loved ones or even your next door neighbour. Reach out in some ways to those you know are alone. Video calls have been great tools during the crisis; affording people the opportunity of face to face contact whilst ensuring that physical distancing is maintained. It has proven to be a great way of easing feelings of loneliness and unease. There are many other ways to maintain contact with others; social media, emails, text, messaging apps, phone calls and even voice messages. Handwritten letters and cards have also become more popular again during isolation and has revived that old thrill of a letter landing on your doorstep. And I am sure that we have all seen pictures of the rainbows in windows or on the news?! These rainbows are often painted by children to spread positivity and give people something to look for on their daily exercise. There is also a version of this which involves bears. People are placing teddy bears in their windows so that children can make daily exercise more interesting by ‘hunting’ and counting the bears.  These are small but effective examples of community spirit and ways to bring about a smile.

If someone you know feels low or indeed, if that someone is you, reach out. A smile, a kind word or gesture can be really powerful and could help to make a lasting difference to someone’s life – both during and after lockdown.

Take care

Tamsin

xx