Hello,

I hope that everybody is as safe and well as possible.

After months I felt the need to come back on here and write.

I’ve been spending a large amount of time just thinking recently, especially about how to cope and manage time during this period.

As everyone started to go into lockdown there were a lot of conversations surrounding productivity. That this is the perfect time to work on ourselves, start that project we have always wanted to, self teach ourselves the guitar, use the free rosetta stone subscription to learn 100 languages and of course make sure we have a workout routine. Whilst this may be beneficial for some, having routine and structure can obviously help some people. It can be overwhelming, especially for those with mental health problems, to find the ability to do all these tasks, whilst managing all the other daily and life struggles. Stop the unnecessary pressure.

We are currently in unprecedented times. Most of us have never lived through something like this. I’ts scary and anxiety provoking for people who don’t struggle with their mental health. Let alone for people who find uncertainly and lack of control debilitating.

I know I have personally found myself feeling guilty for not waking up in time for that 9am live streamed work out. Or for not planning my day with projects and scheduled work.

In reality my physical health, but even more so, my mental health has hindered my ability to focus and be ‘productive’. I’ve found getting out of bed in the mornings near impossible, I cannot sleep at night due to my mind racing. I panic all day about my loved ones.

I know I am not alone in how I feel.

This period of time shows us what is really important in life…it’s not about those projects we have always wanted to achieve, it’s not about perfecting our cv’s or developing our skills set. It’s simply about surviving and loving. For me, the only thing worth thinking about is reuniting with those I love, and holding them all so close. If we can do anything during these times its supporting people, our family and friends who may or may not be struggling, the amazing key workers who risk their lives everyday, those who have lost loved ones and people who are unwell and the extremely vulnerable who will have to stay away until a vaccine is available.

I don’t have a list of things that can help you cope with anxiety at this time, everyone is currently experiences different living conditions and what may help one person may not help another. Just do whatever it is you have to do to get through each day. It’s ok to spend all day in bed, it’s ok if you miss that group quiz on Zoom, and it’s ok to feel sad and anxious.

If you find yourself struggling more than normal at the moment, please seek help, if you can.

Crisis support- Text SHOUT to 85258

Samaritains- 116 123

Domestic abuse- 0808 2000 247

Childline- 0800 1111

If you are vulnerable but still haven’t received your government letter and cannot get food delivery slots, you can contact your local council to arrange a volunteer to help with shopping or they should be able to offer a food box delivery.

If you are reading this and have been struggling with something and need any help in getting hold of the right services, message me and I can find numbers, contact details, etc

Thank you for reading 🙂 Stay safe

Isabelle x

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