Are you Okay?
Really, are you Okay?
Back in November Time to Change launched their #AskTwice Campaign and this messaging encouraged people, particularly men, to open up if they found they were struggling with their mental wellbeing. A terrific approach to help remove the stigma around talking about not being okay.
As news of a route out of the COVID19 restrictions has set social media alight with cautious optimism and light at the end of the tunnel, I have been asking myself, “Am I okay?” “Really, am I okay?”
If I am honest, I am probably not as okay as I would like to be. The prospect of the world gradually reopening, whilst it should be cause for excitement and celebration, goodness knows how many businesses have been waiting so long for this, leaves me with a feeling of trepidation.
This past twelve months has had an effect on all of us in so many ways. Tragic loss of loved ones, isolation, illness, financial hardship, mere words cannot convey the empathy we feel towards those who have had to bear these traumas. Then there are the consequences for those living at risk of domestic abuse, exacerbated by the pressures of long periods of lockdown. The challenges here are complex and we hope to see practical help and support directed towards repairing a society in so much pain.
Then there are the unexpected consequences of the change to our way of life since March 2020. #StayatHome, #WorkfromHome, have been our mantras and for good and sensible reasons. However, as we start to look forward to emerging from this restricted existence, how easy will it be for us to pick up and carry on as we have before?
I consider myself to be extremely lucky as I have been able to carry on working and working from home throughout the pandemic. I have creative outlets to help me process some of the chaos, but I am deceiving myself if I think I can return to normal or indeed a ‘new’ normal, straight away.
Firstly, I am so, so tired, mentally, physically and emotionally. Working from home and being, as I have identified previously, a Productivity Junkie, I am working longer and harder than ever before. I ache, I am carrying extra weight, I am drinking way too much coffee and to give me that down time, a glass of wine is now almost a daily occurrence. Working from home, I have continued to get up and properly dressed and do my full hair and make-up every day. Unfortunately, I went stocking feet or slippers though, and as a result developed foot issues. Going for a walk is off the agenda as it incredibly painful. Frustrating as I am so aware of the physical and mental health benefits and it would help to shed some of the extra pounds, I am keen to part with. “Zoom” fatigue, technology failures, cancelled plans, isolation, the list goes on.
I wonder if some of this sounds familiar.
Throw in not being able to visit my parents in well over a year, anxiety of breaking physical distancing rules and anxiety when others do, coping with other people’s anxiety, uncertainty about budgets in the future and worry for my loved ones and risks of COVID itself… I am drained.
I know I will not be alone.
The world has been sick. When we have been sick, we often need to take some time to recuperate once the ailment itself has passed. Wrapped up in a cosy soft dressing gown, chicken soup, reading books a little quality ‘me’ time to aid recovery.
There needs to be that same period of recuperation for the world. We cannot just flick a switch and pick up where we left off or even start the ‘new normal’. There are sectors of society desperate to get going again and I completely emphasise but if there is an expectation on society to move from a standing start, there will be greater impacts on mental wellbeing.
Just as we all have felt the impact of the past twelve months personally and differently, our transition will be personal and different. We need to afford people time to get over this pandemic and ensure we do this with patience, understanding and most of all kindness.