What can I do to prevent my mental health declining during the lockdown? Part One

I’m Stuck at Home. 

• Create yourself a schedule - This is something I’ve been doing for years now. It really gives me a sense of purpose and time. Even if it’s just scheduling a time for getting out of bed, meal times and bedtimes. After you’ve done that you will see gaps where you can add things you have to do and things you’d like to do. Keeping a regular pattern helps to keep normality; as much as is possible. You can create a schedule with a simple pen and paper or using your computer or a calendar app on your phone. If you don’t mind spending a few pounds then my favourite way is by actually buying a planner. Order online of course. 
• Stick to your office hours - If you’re working from home, this is key for reducing stress levels. It may be tempting to hit snooze until lunch time and just work until 8pm, but I promise you by the time you get to 5pm you’ll be cursing under your breath. Also another tip for working at home, create a work station (if you have space). Try not to bring your work into other parts of your home. Leave work at the door (figuratively). 
• Friends and family - Though we cannot see our loved ones in person, it’s important to keep contact where possible. Try to arrange times friends are free for a good chat; you could even put it in your schedule. If you’re worried about running your minutes down, then skype, whatsapp and facebook all have video call features. Another fun app I’ve discovered recently is Houseparty. Up to 8 people can join the video chat and you even play games and do quizzes together. There are also online communities for those of you that might not have anyone to talk to, or maybe you just need to talk about your difficulties in a safe space; Elefriends (by mind) is one such place. I’ve been a member for a long time now and the community is brilliant.
• Escapism - I cannot stress enough how well this is working for me right now. Escapism can be anything that temporarily distracts you from current life events. Writing, art, making music, reading, playing games; anything that works for you. Personally my creative writing, Animal Crossing and Breath of the Wild, have given me fantasy worlds to retreat to. 
• Exercise - You knew it was coming. We all know regular exercise is vital for our bodies, but we often forget what it does for our minds. Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins, which can help to beat stress. Now, I can practically hear the anxious groans of people like me, whose mental health conditions would never let them go jogging in public. Madness! Indoor exercise however, is no lesser. Easy home yoga, zumba and many other classes are available free on Youtube. If you have a Nintendo Switch/ Wii ‘Just Dance’ is a great workout. I’ve also heard good things about the Switch's ‘Ring Fit’ (though I currently lack the funding for that). 
• Emotional Support - Many of you may currently be finding it difficult to get support for your mental health. Check to see what your mental health service is offering locally. Some services are still running and over the phone support seems to be the main port of call. You can also find support within online communities, close and impartial friends and some helplines, which you can access via this link. 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/

Look out for my next post where I talk about what you can do to cope if you’re a Keyworker. 

Hi everyone, 

I hope you’re keeping well. As you may have now heard we’re expecting a further 3 weeks of lockdown in the UK. I know how difficult this is for many of us, myself included. This is however, crucial to minimizing the impact Covid-19 is having on our communities.

I recently wrote a letter of support to you all about our current situation. These are difficult times for us all, but especially for those with mental health problems and disabilities. We’re often a group that is marginalised. We may have already been isolated, or perhaps we don’t cope with loneliness well. Because of the past years of austerity, a lot of people like us are in poor housing and many haven’t been able to save a lot of money. I work part time because of my mental health so I am earning around two thirds of what full time work would give me. The point is that people with mental health problems may be in a more difficult situation than others. This is especially important to realise during times of international crisis. 

In line with this, my next two posts will be about things you can do to help you cope. It’s not an instant fix, but it’s some advice that I have found really helpful. 

Stay Safe.
OutofDarkness Xx

A letter of support during difficult times

Dear readers, 

Whether you are living with mental health problems, self isolating/shielding, working from home or one of the many essential key workers braving this storm; times are no doubt having a huge impact on our daily lives. The countermeasures for this pandemic have had to come hard and fast in order to slow the arrival of the peak and protect the most vulnerable. The severity of the actions (though needed) have found many of us stuck at home, and the rest of us working flat out to keep our communities running. 

Recently I’ve noticed a lot of big talk about how easy it is to ‘simply stay at home’, being parroted across social media. Honestly it disappoints me that people I know have been posting this about their circles. It’s ignorant to assume that everyone’s needs are the same. Maybe it is ‘easy’ for those who don’t live alone, those who are still being kept busy working from home and those living without anxiety, depression and complex disorders. 

My BPD has me overthinking myself into a downward spiral at the best of times. Let alone with the constant shadow of COVID-19 looming over me. It’s in my news feed, my support groups and now even in my blog! (Granted that one’s my fault) It’s finding brand new ways to trigger my anxiety and work its way into my headspace. I’ve spoken to others who have been feeling the same thing. My mental health has been getting so bad, that by every evening I’ve been stressing so much, I’m getting that familiar drowning feeling I get before a breakdown. Either that or I feel like I’m walking through a very unsettling dream. 

Many people who have trauma in their past, automatically dissociate in stressful or anxiety provoking situations. 

Dissociation can be a coping mechanism we’ve developed in order to survive distressing situations. So if you're experiencing this sensation, you aren't alone. 

Please also remember that lockdown has taken our support services; a vital lifeline for many! There are no visits from our mental health teams, no therapies, no day services and certainly a serious lack of inpatient beds. Be kinder to each other. People ‘complaining’ they can’t go about their daily lives usually isn’t a sign of selfishness. A daily routine is what keeps many of us out of emotional distress. We’re experiencing a huge adjustment, so adapting won’t be easy for anyone.

Finally we may be socially distanced, but we are in this together. So please:

Remember those with mental health problems

Remember vulnerable people living alone

Remember those working around the clock

It’s not easy for everyone.

OutofDarkness Xx