COVID-19 and the lockdown effects on mental health.

[GRALISTAIR]

The one thing that really makes me irate throughout all of this is the people that say 'well we're all in the same boat'.

No. My reply to that is 'we're all in different boats sailing through the same storm'. Some people are coping, other's aren't.

Spot on. The only cure through this lockdown for me is for everyone to raise each other up, not to knock them off the top of the mountain and make them feel even more s**t than they did before.

Fantastic replies. I may use that quote please with your permission.

 

[scotrail158713]

On this particular day, given some of the opinions about the elderly that have been expressed recently on this forum, I'd like to share this FB page.

From an additional comment:

True. However during the war you were still allowed to socialise with people, and weren’t stuck at home all day every day. The lack of social interaction, along with the almost constant negative news coverage, is what is taking its toll on people just now.

 

[6862]

Personally for me, the thing I am struggling most with is the feeling of not doing anything useful with my time. As a PhD student, pre-coronavrius I used to do cutting edge research, genuinely advancing science. Now I just sit and read and write about science that other people have done. I used to work an intense 10 hour day, now there is no pressure or deadline (in fact the opposite of pressure, I need to make sure I don't get through the limited work I can do without a lab too quickly).

I am sure there are many people in similar situations - personally I feel a sense of uselessness - not contributing anything to society any more. While I think that comparisons to wartime are of little value (that was a situation with a much greater risk to every person in the country; personally I do not think that we are going through anything worth comparing to the horrors of war), I do think that one major difference was that in war time, every person in the country could have a purpose (and many of them laid down their lives in that purpose). Today, many of us have been made obsolete by the 'new normal' - even if only temporarily (as we keep on being told). Apologies for the rant, just feeling rather fed up!

 

[ValleyLines142]

Fantastic replies. I may use that quote please with your permission.

Certainly mate

 

[Bletchleyite]

Well, I'm not counting on much in England to be honest. Dropping the "stay home" message is going to be fairly meaningless if you can't go anywhere or see anyone.

Yes and no. It is probably psychologically easier for people if you manage it by only opening the places you want people to go (plus the 2m thing and/or masks) rather than trying to impose some sort of half-hearted curfew. What you'd basically be doing is turning it into some form of publess Christmas Day. I don't think most people feel like prisoners in their own home on Christmas Day, despite the fact that more things are open today than on the typical Christmas Day.

For instance, most people who will exercise twice in one day are the same sorts of people who will run at 5am or midnight. Allowing this just isn't a considerable risk, and it's probably happening now anyway, as who's policing footpaths at 5am and midnight? The MK Redway network for instance is basically unpoliceable. (Do some reading on crime issues in New Towns caused by cycleways/footpaths segregated from roads).

 

[Bletchleyite]

Personally for me, the thing I am struggling most with is the feeling of not doing anything useful with my time. As a PhD student, pre-coronavrius I used to do cutting edge research, genuinely advancing science. Now I just sit and read and write about science that other people have done. I used to work an intense 10 hour day, now there is no pressure or deadline (in fact the opposite of pressure, I need to make sure I don't get through the limited work I can do without a lab too quickly).

I am sure there are many people in similar situations - personally I feel a sense of uselessness - not contributing anything to society any more. While I think that comparisons to wartime are of little value (that was a situation with a much greater risk to every person in the country; personally I do not think that we are going through anything worth comparing to the horrors of war), I do think that one major difference was that in war time, every person in the country could have a purpose (and many of them laid down their lives in that purpose). Today, many of us have been made obsolete by the 'new normal' - even if only temporarily (as we keep on being told). Apologies for the rant, just feeling rather fed up!

Are you shielding? If not, why not explore opportunities to volunteer locally?

I'm already doing to a limited extent, but I'm still working. If I end up furloughed/"on the bench", which is possible at the end of my current project (June), I will probably step this up substantially.

 

[6862]

Are you shielding? If not, why not explore opportunities to volunteer locally?

I'm already doing to a limited extent, but I'm still working. If I end up furloughed/"on the bench", which is possible at the end of my current project (June), I will probably step this up substantially.

No, I am not shielding. I wanted to volunteer almost as soon as this all started - I signed up to my local council's volunteering scheme, however I was not eligible to work for them (or for other voluntary organisations) as my DBS certificate is more than 2 years old. I do have the DBS update scheme, however they do not accept that in conjunction with DBS certificates older than 2 years. I also received an email this morning telling me that there were far more volunteers than needed! The lack of a car is also a significant impediment to being accepted for voluntary work.

It may be that my department will find other things for me to work on, they just won't be very good for making me feel 'productive'. As someone who likes to feel productive/useful, I am finding this difficult. One thing I am trying to do more of is online tutoring. It's not something I particularly enjoy, but it does give me something to do.

I hope you mangage to keep on working - but if not I hope you manage to find more voluntary work!

 

[yorksrob]

Yes and no. It is probably psychologically easier for people if you manage it by only opening the places you want people to go (plus the 2m thing and/or masks) rather than trying to impose some sort of half-hearted curfew. What you'd basically be doing is turning it into some form of publess Christmas Day. I don't think most people feel like prisoners in their own home on Christmas Day, despite the fact that more things are open today than on the typical Christmas Day.

For instance, most people who will exercise twice in one day are the same sorts of people who will run at 5am or midnight. Allowing this just isn't a considerable risk, and it's probably happening now anyway, as who's policing footpaths at 5am and midnight? The MK Redway network for instance is basically unpoliceable. (Do some reading on crime issues in New Towns caused by cycleways/footpaths segregated from roads).

Well yes, you can socialise with people on Christmas day, which would make a difference.

I don't really see much difference between one and two outdoor exercise sessions.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Well yes, you can socialise with people on Christmas day, which would make a difference.

I don't really see much difference between one and two outdoor exercise sessions.

Without a limit on the length of an exercise session, there is basically no difference. One 2 hour walk will have basically the same effect as two 1-hour walks.

 

[bramling]

Well yes, you can socialise with people on Christmas day, which would make a difference.

I don't really see much difference between one and two outdoor exercise sessions.

I strongly suspect the original intent was to try to avoid public spaces becoming overloaded. Certainly even my rural walks have been quite crowded even into the late evening.

The more people return to work the less this would be an issue.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I strongly suspect the original intent was to try to avoid public spaces becoming overloaded. Certainly even my rural walks have been quite crowded even into the late evening.

Speaking to the person I know involved in the work, it was partly that, but partly because they couldn't give a feel of too much normality because people would unthinkingly act normally. It's now pretty reinforced that these times are not normal, so that's no longer needed. He accepted that sunbathing alone basically poses no risk whatsoever - indeed arguably less risk than running because you're not hyperventilating your COVID virions all over the place.

 

[yorksrob]

I strongly suspect the original intent was to try to avoid public spaces becoming overloaded. Certainly even my rural walks have been quite crowded even into the late evening.

The more people return to work the less this would be an issue.

That's probably true, but I expect that for most people, from a personal point of view it wouldn't make much difference.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

You don't have to apologise - you've not offended me one bit. I'm feeling the pain too .

Thank you

 

[HH]

True. However during the war you were still allowed to socialise with people, and weren’t stuck at home all day every day. The lack of social interaction, along with the almost constant negative news coverage, is what is taking its toll on people just now.

Let's see now...

WW2: Lasted 6 years, bombed, food heavily rationed, economy up the spout, may have a job but for most that means supporting the war effort, not seeing younger family members for years and possibly never, perpetual worry about being invaded by Nazis, allowed out, but not a lot to do, no TV, no broadband, no fuel (and most no cars).

Lockdown: Lasted 8 weeks, not getting bombed, a few self-inflicted shortages, economy up the spout but lots of government support, most have kept their "civvy" jobs, only seeing some family members on video, may lose a vulnerable elderly relative, no invasion worries, only allowed out for some activities (if you follow the guidelines), TV Broadband, have a car and can use it.

Damn, you're right. Lockdown is much worse!

 

[nedchester]

Let's see now...

WW2: Lasted 6 years, bombed, food heavily rationed, economy up the spout, may have a job but for most that means supporting the war effort, not seeing younger family members for years and possibly never, perpetual worry about being invaded by Nazis, allowed out, but not a lot to do, no TV, no broadband, no fuel (and most no cars).

Lockdown: Lasted 8 weeks, not getting bombed, a few self-inflicted shortages, economy up the spout but lots of government support, most have kept their "civvy" jobs, only seeing some family members on video, may lose a vulnerable elderly relative, no invasion worries, only allowed out for some activities (if you follow the guidelines), TV Broadband, have a car and can use it.

Damn, you're right. Lockdown is much worse!

Comparisons with WWII are pathetic and not even worth entertaining. We live in a very different world than that of 1945.

Our life expectations are vastly different and that is why Covid-19 will take a very short time to destroy the whole structure of society along with many peoples wealth and expectations. That will have a MASSIVE affect on the mental health of the nation.

 

[scotrail158713]

Comparisons with WWII are pathetic and not even worth entertaining. We live in a very different world than that of 1945.

Our life expectations are vastly different and that is why Covid-19 will take a very short time to destroy the whole structure of society along with many peoples wealth and expectations. That will have a MASSIVE affect on the mental health of the nation.

Correct

 

[Huntergreed]

It’s just a pointless exercise comparing this with a completely different type of national crisis that took place 3 generations ago. Right now our priority should be to find the best foot forward given the current circumstances and to minimise the impact of detriment across the board (that includes from Covid, Economic Recession, Depleting Mental Health) in order to try and do the best we can in this situation. I do think the messaging needs to change from “Stop Coronavirus” to “Let’s run the country as best we can while minimising the impact of all negative factors”, people need to open their eyes and see that there is more to life than the virus destroying this country right now and certainly comparing a global pandemic happening as we speak to a conflict fought over three quarters of a century ago isn’t doing anything for anyone.

 

[bramling]

Comparisons with WWII are pathetic and not even worth entertaining. We live in a very different world than that of 1945.

Our life expectations are vastly different and that is why Covid-19 will take a very short time to destroy the whole structure of society along with many peoples wealth and expectations. That will have a MASSIVE affect on the mental health of the nation.

Why is it so bad to out some much-needed perspective on things? A positive post attempting to point out that things aren't quite that bad is no bad thing IMO. Some people by contrast seen to want to whip up the fear and doom factor.

 

[farleigh]

I strongly suspect the original intent was to try to avoid public spaces becoming overloaded. Certainly even my rural walks have been quite crowded even into the late evening.

The more people return to work the less this would be an issue.

I don't mean to be rude but aren't you a part of that crowd?

 

[HH]

Comparisons with WWII are pathetic and not even worth entertaining. We live in a very different world than that of 1945.

But are people so very different?

Can you say precisely what is it about 2020 vs 1945 that makes the comparison pathetic - assertions are easy to make, but carry zero weight.

 

[Qwerty133]

Without a limit on the length of an exercise session, there is basically no difference. One 2 hour walk will have basically the same effect as two 1-hour walks.

Not necessarily. Around here there are a few 'circuits' that take about an hour to complete which are seeing a steady stream of people throughout the day but routes that take longer and go through less populated areas are little used. There is also the issue that the majority of people likely to take advantage of exercising more than once a day are the dog owners who believe their dog should be allowed to dawdle off the lead as it wishes blocking the path for everyone else.

 

[nedchester]

But are people so very different?

Can you say precisely what is it about 2020 vs 1945 that makes the comparison pathetic - assertions are easy to make, but carry zero weight.

Firstly in 1939 when the war started it had only been just over 20 years since the last one. There had also been a build up over a number of years that the war was coming. People were prepared mentally for it. We are talking 75 years here since such a threat. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to not expect your life to be turned upside so quickly.

Then there’s the “enemy” ( I don’t like to use that term but seeing as we’re comparing two events it’ll do). The Germans were visible clear enemies and none were in the country. The virus is unseen and has unpredictable outcomes.The vast majority who get it are fine but a few (less than 5% become very ill). That creates massive worry.

Then there is personal wealth and security. We have more material wealth, most own their own home, have cars and travel a lot both in the U.K. and abroad. This was all carrying on normally just three months ago. It then suddenly stops for an indefinite period. Despite the furlough scheme (which is soon to end) many fear for the security of their life and standard of living. The young who may have had dreams for the future feel they have had them dashed. Even people looking forward to their one big holiday only to find it dashed possibly losing all that money will cause strain.

in 1939-1945 people were able to see friends and socialise. The were able to socialise and hug each other. These are things that come naturally to human beings. But you can’t do that and it puts massive mental strain on folk

One of the reasons we need to be start looking at getting people getting back to normal very soon is to turn this around. People need to be given hope and yes we are going to have to shield vulnerable groups while the rest of us get on with things (slightly off topic)

 

[Islineclear3_1]

We were not ready for this virus despite early warnings. Liberty is a given here which post-war people have grown up with and know nothing else. A sudden, unexpected loss of liberties has come unexpectedly. Many have fled oppressive countries and regiemes to come to the UK for freedom. The economy is trashed with many livelihoods lost. Our children's education has been disrupted. Same too for those at university. There is a great sense of worry and uncertainty which is damaging to mental health and wellbeing. How many will recover from this? We've had panic buying with the "I'm alright Jack" mentality as people fight in the aisles for scarecities not knowing when they can buy their next necessities or even if they will be available. When there is widespread anxiety and alarm, our natural defence is to panic and safeguard ourselves and our families. And no doubt, the population has increased massively since the war

 

[scotrail158713]

in 1939-1945 people wre to see friends and socialise. The were able to socialise and hug each other. These are things that come naturally to human beings. But you can’t do that and it puts massive mental strain on folk

Spot on. I’m not the most sociable person but even now I’m beginning to miss have frequent social contact with people (Zoom/FaceTime isn’t the same). But back in WW2 this wasn’t an issue - obviously there were other problems instead.

 

[Domh245]

One of the reasons that I'm against the unhelpful comparisons to WW2 is the implied suggestion that because we aren't having our houses destroyed nor young men sent to be cannon fodder we should just put up with it. Just as when people die of cancer we don't go "ah well, at least it wasn't the 18th century where we couldn't have treated them and they'd have probably died years ago of cholera anyway" we vow to improve cancer treatment. Yes WW2 was bad, but that doesn't mean that the current situation is good, nor can it be dismissed as less bad.

 

[yorkie]

Contributors to this thread may find this of interest:

Should we allow the novel Coronavirus to spread in a controlled way in the healthy population?

 

[yorkie]

'I've seen patients suffering not from the virus, but from fear of getting it': a consultant psychiatrist speaks out

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Bob Adams is one of the retired health professionals who has returned to work during the coronavirus crisis. He spoke to…

www.yorkpress.co.uk

"I've seen quite a number of patients in the hospital suffering not from the virus itself, but from fear of getting it. People who are mentally ill have lots of fears. They are people who become out of touch with reality. Suddenly they find they can't go out, can't meet friends, the day centres are closed. Then when they come into hospital and see the staff gowned up and wearing masks, it seems odd to them. It adds to their paranoia."

Out in the community, meanwhile, he certainly expects there to be an increase in mental health issues as a result of the pandemic as time goes on. Yes, there is fear of the virus itself, he says. But there's more. There's the isolation. "If you're a single person on your own, you don't have a garden and you're stuck in a room, it doesn't take much imagination to work out how that could be very stressful.

"And there are a lot of people that have lost their jobs. Economically it is going to be difficult. Many small businesses are not going to manage. We don't really know what sort of world we're going to find ourselves in in future. All that causes anxiety and worry."

Wise words from Dr Bob Adams and well done to him for coming out of retirement to help.

Edit:

On a different subject to the above, but still on the topic of mental health, another thing I will add is that anecdotally it has come to my attention that many of the kids that are struggling the most that I'm aware of are the 'sporty' ones, often those who are very outgoing, confident, and under normal circumstances are the last people you may think would have mental health issues.

It's actually really shocked me and the thought of them being away from school and sports for many more months really is worrying me. In contrast, some of the quiet / shy kids are actually not minding this at all. This is all anecdotal and my experiences only so I am not saying it is necessarily part of a nationwide trend. You can never tell who is going to be affected by this.

I can't help but feel bad about the fact that many of those who are the least vulnerable in terms of the effects of the virus itself have been turned into the most vulnerable in terms of the effects of the measures implemented to mitigate against the spread of the virus. No matter what anyone says about how necessary these measures are (and let's not get into that too much here as it's covered in other threads) I will continue to feel bad about this. If, as a result of this, I end up saying something that others disagree with, then so be it, but I hope that people don't have a personal grudge against me for it.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Yorkie I can relate. Although in 1989 I was suicidal and had clinical depression, I am a loner by nature. I am doing pretty damned well in this lockdown. My wife on the other hand who has never had mental health problems in her life is really struggling in the lockdown.

 

[ValleyLines142]

I can't help but feel bad about the fact that many of those who are the least vulnerable in terms of the effects of the virus itself have been turned into the most vulnerable in terms of the effects of the measures implemented to mitigate against the spread of the virus. No matter what anyone says about how necessary these measures are (and let's not get into that too much here as it's covered in other threads) I will continue to feel bad about this. If, as a result of this, I end up saying something that others disagree with, then so be it, but I hope that people don't have a personal grudge against me for it.

Sometimes in life you'll always have an opinion that will differ from somebody else. And that's okay. I'd like to think that in 2020 and despite these dark times that we as humans accept each other and respect one another for our own opinions. What I don't agree with is people shutting each other down, and influencing them to change their opinion or view.

For what it's worth, I feel exactly the same way. And so do many others. One of my best friends from uni, who just happens to live in the same town as I do and regularly commute into Bristol together, had not replied to my messages for almost a month, and eventually he replied to me last week. Whilst I was obviously worried about his mental health, I didn't continue to message him because that can sometimes be overpowering. But when he did reply, I told him I was glad to hear from him, and he said that he was just trying to find his feet again.

It's such a struggle, particularly with the mixed messages about lockdown rules, but I'm not willing to let it beat me.

 

[greyman42]

On a different subject to the above, but still on the topic of mental health, another thing I will add is that anecdotally it has come to my attention that many of the kids that are struggling the most that I'm aware of are the 'sporty' ones, often those who are very outgoing, confident, and under normal circumstances are the last people you may think would have mental health issues.

It's actually really shocked me and the thought of them being away from school and sports for many more months really is worrying me. In contrast, some of the quiet / shy kids are actually not minding this at all. This is all anecdotal and my experiences only so I am not saying it is necessarily part of a nationwide trend. You can never tell who is going to be affected by this.

I think kids and adults are pretty much the same. It is the more social ones who are finding this the hardest.