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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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Judi9877
Community Guide

Hi @nashy @WriterMelb @jem80 @Shaz51 @Flying_Hams @NatureLover 

I'm finding the easing of restrictions difficult as I live in Melbourne and the restrictions have been quite harsh when compared to the other states and territories of Australia. There have been certain places that I won't visit because of them being testing sites for covid and I'm really missing the libraries not being open as I used to love going there to read and chill out. I'm not enjoying not being able to sit and have coffee and cake with friends in a cafe or just being able to sit at the park or beach to get in some nature time. I've also developed anxiety about going into supermarkets because of not being able to get the items I usually would due to panic buying in recent months which never used to be an issue for me until covid happened. I'm also scared that the premier of my state could reinstate restrictions at any time because he wants to. It's hard for me and it's scary to be honest.

I'm coping with this by writing in my journal and by being creative like knitting and drawing. 

Molliex
Senior Contributor

thanks for this @nashy  I am trying to negotiate with my employer to return to the office only part-time and continue working from home 2 days per week. Going back full-time feels overwhelming for me. Small steps..

Moochmouse
Contributor

Hey, My metal health issues have increased during this time. 

I only had slight germophobia before this, slight OCD, depression,  CPTSD and social anxiety.  Now, fear I is keeping me at home. I have been out twice in 15 weeks. Once with a friend,  on my terms, at nighttime and we met in the middle of a soccer field last week. The second time my husband took me shopping, No one was keeping social distancing in the one shop we went to, and I had words with a few people before I tuned everything out and ended up sitting in the car in fear. . An hour later and finally home I was a mess. But over three years I have become very adept at hiding all this from my husband and he knows very little of what is going on in my head and body in these situations. 

I have been having my 2 weekly appointments with my psychologist over the phone. This week we are meeting in the carpark, that was my terms when he suggested we have a face to face appointment.  But I so want to cancel. Fear that I thought I could deal with by a few trips out, has only increased.  Everyone is saying 'you need to get out' 'do this, do that' But I have been at home and living in my head for so long that all those fears I had before, have increased in intensity so much, I am worried that life will never be the same again.  

nashy
Senior Contributor

Hi @Moochmouse thanks so much for sharing your story. I definitely relate to the feeling of wondering if life will be the same again. We will return to some level of normality and rhythm no doubt, but I suppose our awareness of things will change and maybe even our views around mental health as a broader society off the back of the pandemic. I thank you for sharing this, sounds like it's been a pretty hard road but we're all here to listen and support you in our online forums. 

 

@Molliex Small steps is integral right now! Keep us updated on how it goes and how the incramental changes feel 🙂 

 

@Judi9877 Thank you for sharing, I am sorry it's been such a heavy journey. Journalling is a wonderful tool! As is anything where you can use your hands. I have been considering pottery, something to engage the mind and soul in a focused way. Knitting and drawing sounds wonderful, how do you feel during that process?

jay2
Senior Contributor

Im just going to winge, got the Seasonaly Affective Disorder , feel like crap. Feeling so irritable. Dont like long letters, dont like the new format. Memory is shot.   I will come back in a week or 2 when I feel more human.  Sorry   jay2