1 in 4 people in the UK will experience some form of mental health problems in their life and with the recent coronavirus pandemic hitting not only the UK but the whole of the world these statistics are increasing and having a massive toll on many peoples mental health. This statistic, although frightening, should feel somewhat comforting to those who are experiencing these thoughts and feelings and to know that they are not alone in feeling this way especially during a global pandemic where things can become very overwhelming.
Throughout the pandemic people have reported feelings of loneliness (1 in 6) due to lesser amounts of contact with family and friends. Especially for those who live alone or those who have extroverted personalities and the idea of being without others company sends them mad and leaves them with feelings of depression.
Other mental health problems that are increasing throughout lockdown are:
Anxiety: Due to the uncertainty of when the pandemic will end and people’s thoughts of themselves or others catching the virus anxiety levels have increased by (37.4%).
Eating Disorders/self-image: For those who have previously had body image issues and forms of Body Dysmorphia (BDD) Lockdown as well as members of the public in general Lockdown has had an extremely detrimental effect on their self-image. Due to gyms and the beauty industry closing people have been left with strong feelings of insecurity. With people being in the house all the time and eating more due to boredom increases in weight gain have begun arising leaving members of the public feeling down about themselves and self-conscious as well as the health problems then gained by being overweight.
Abandonment: For some they feel like lockdown will never end and lack of contact with others is making them have feelings of worry that they will lose their existing relationships with friends and family and that people will begin ‘forgetting about them’ and that they no longer like them. In these difficult times it can be hard to remain in contact with others are face to face contact is very limited. The fear of missing out (FOMO) on seeing your friends and family or only being able to see one person at a time socially distance can leave people feeling left out and with feelings of loneliness and depression.
Coping mechanisms and solutions to feeling better:
Routine: By having tasks to do every day this helps boost productivity and makes us feel like our day has purpose. Setting personal goals for everyday that are achievable and you enjoy doing can make you feel good and boost your self-confidence. As the days progress you could move on to bigger goals and begin learning new things and starting new hobbies.
Mindfulness: Meditation and focusing on your breathing can be a great copying mechanism for when you are feeling very stressed or anxious and an excellent way to clear your mind from negative thoughts and instead with feelings of relaxation and peacefulness.
Reaching out: Speaking with friends and reconnecting with old ones is a fantastic way to boost your mental health and gives you something to look forward to each day. Everyone is experiencing the pandemic and you may even find others are feeling the same way as you are and can help and relate.
If you are experiencing any of the above , remember reach out to our coaches and consultants and behavioural experts at Innermetrix, we can realign your inner self through our behavioural support and techniques, you are worth it !!!!
