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“I’m scared of relaxing restrictions!”: Protecting our mental health while the world changes yet again

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The dumpster fire that is COVID-19 lockdowns has been hard on all of us – for so many reasons.

 

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But after the initial shock of being ‘locked down’ turns into our ‘new normal’, some of us might find that the easing restrictions feel like a whole new thing to be afraid of. We thought we’d be running towards the metaphorical light at the end of a socially distanced tunnel, but instead we find ourselves approaching with caution.


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When we went into lockdown, our mental health might have taken a beating – particularly those of us already living with complex mental health issues. Symptoms and vulnerabilities might have flared up, as key parts of the recovery we’ve built for ourselves were suddenly out-of-bounds. And we may have found ourselves longing for things to go back to 'normal'.

 

But now that restrictions are actually easing? It might surprise us that we're not feeling as excited as we thought. Yes, the chance to finally see a close friend might fill us with joy – of course it does! But the thought of venturing out into the world again? That can feel scary!

 

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After the initial shock wore off, some of us found that we actually got used to being holed up at home. We found new ways of spending our time, reassessed what was important to us, and found safety in our little cocoons. Transitioning back into society can feel like a huge change all over again, and this can throw us off-kilter.

 

So, whether we're nervous about the coronavirus itself, reluctant to change routine AGAIN, or struggling in some other way – how can we look after our mental health as restrictions ease?

 

Firstly, we can be kind to ourselves. As with the beginning of the pandemic, these are situations none of us are used to facing. There's nothing 'wrong' with us if we're feeling anxious at this time – it's completely normal when going through a big change.

 

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Secondly, we can remember that talking to friends, family or mental health professionals can help us keep perspective and meet our basic needs for connection and belonging.

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And thirdly? It's ok to be cautious and take things slow. If we don't feel comfortable having visitors to our home yet – we don't have to! If we'd still rather shop online than go to the supermarket, that's ok too. Introducing one new element to our routine at a time can help us move at a pace that suits us.

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It's also worthwhile to check in on the people we love. Being there for someone else can give us purpose. If someone in our life is an essential worker, has lost their job or has been struggling with home-schooling children, we can reach out and offer support.

 

Those of us who have faced mental health challenges before COVID-19 may have already developed really great strategies to cope with tough times.

 

We are strong. We are resilient. And we will get through this – one day at a time.


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Let’s continue this conversation in the comments below. How are you feeling about the easing restrictions, and what are you doing to cope?

And if you're new here? Just register here to start chatting in our safe, anonymous (and friendly) online Forums community. 

24 Comments

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NatureLover
Community Elder

I confess I am quite nervous about restrictions being eased. I am an "at risk" person...plus I'm worried about a second wave of Covid-19. 

 

A couple of different friends have contacted me in the last week, wanting to meet up for coffee or lunch. Although I want to see these friends, my first gut reaction was a shocked "It's too soon! I'm not ready!". I had to take some time to think things through before replying. These friends don't have my illnesses of germophobia and agoraphobia. They know I have both illnesses, and are supportive - but they don't "get it", and why should they? So I feel they would be hurt or offended, deep down, if I tell them I'm not ready to meet up yet.

 

Also, my agoraphobia and germophobia have both got worse during lockdown, so I can attribute my gut reaction to these illnesses. I will have to come out of isolation at some point, so why not now? Covid-19 is in the world now and won't go away entirely, presumably. I can't stay the rest of my life safely at home.

 

So I've agreed to meet these kind friends on different occasions in the next 2 weeks, and have started psyching up now. It will be hard for me to leave the house, and very stressful to cope with the possibility of germs - 2 of these friends work on the front line. But at least one of these lovely friends needs support, so that will be good to be able to give it if possible.

Flying_Hams
Community Guide

Before the lockdown kicked in and social distancing reduced the amount of time spent outside, I certainly found it hard.

 

Like a lot of things in life that are new, it took some time to adjust to the changes. 

 

However, even when I adapted I found that I missed catching up with friends, having  coffee out, going to the gym etc. Things like this were part of my life and wellness. 

 

But I must admit that I've adjusted to this change and will find it hard to adapt again.

 

The best approach I think will be to remember how things were before the covid19 lockdown and also view things in a positive, open manner.

 

It's a good thing that we are going back to the way things were - even if it's a marginal change. 

 

We are in together and we are here for each other 

Shaz51
Community Guide

interesting @nashy 

Hello @Flying_Hams@NatureLover@Tortoiseshell@Jupiter 

 

amm For me , I am starting to feel strange going and doing things apart from supporting my husband and my mum 

in our work ( we are self employed) and when  we clean people houses or mow their lawns no-one is at home 

I suppose I should try to fit in more ME time 

 

as for my Mum , she now and wont leave the house , I do everything for her ( shopping , etc, etc )

 

and as for my husband , he loves being home 

he does not want to go anywhere apart from doing our jobs and going back home 

anything that needs to be done in town , he sits in the car waiting for me 

but he does help me with the shopping which is good if we are quick 

jem80
Community Guide

@nashy @Shaz51 @Flying_Hams @NatureLover 


Easing restrictions for COVID-19 is going to create some nervousness and anxiety as it is yet another change in such a short space of time. Even though it has only been 3 months we have been through quite a lot of change in our lives.

 

Change causes disruption to our routine and its routine that we rely on to stay well. Another change to our routine means some instability for a time. 

I have to say I have only gone as far as my local small business to grab some groceries, medical needs and other essential shopping and exercise. I have gotten use to staying at home. As they say it's one small step...

 

Take it day by day in extending yourself with the relax of restrictions. Just because you can, do what feels comfortable for you. It might be starting off with take away coffee and a walk to the local park either by yourself or with a friend (with 1.5 metre distancing) and then if you feel comfortable to take the next step after that to go to a cafe try and see how you feel.

 

There is also the option to do a virtual coffee date. Go online with zoom and you and a friend can have a coffee or tea and chat over zoom in the comfort of your pyjamas and home.

 

For me Zoom coffee dates and family catch up means I can still stay connect without been any risk.

 

See what works for you, be creative and take it step by step.

WriterMelb
Community Elder

 

@nashy  @Hamsolo01@NatureLover@Tortoiseshell@Jupiter @Shaz51 

 

For me not a lot has changed day with covid.  Fortunately my for sons and and families they are all still working. I have not been able to write in cafes and continue my return to the music scene. My major negative. For many on the sane site the home situation with  new concentrated family dynamics and financial stress must be horrible. My partner and I have started to see our grandchildren again which is fantastic and joyous. The numbers attending my mental health outpatients program is down by two thirds. The changes are small and are everywhere. It is this that I find very difficult. Everything it seems is different. Shopping, seeing my shrink/ gp / ptsd psych / cafes/ deliveries / seeing family / sport / music gigs/ possible bands to play in. This is not helpful as I'm working on a new way of being. These myriad changes are what i find difficult.

WriterMelb

 

Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT), MIFA(NT) is a non-government organisation providing services for people living with a mental illness and their carer’s and families. 

 

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