Coping during Coronavirus
If you have to leave your house to go into work during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it might feel like a difficult and stressful time.
You may need to go into work during the coronavirus pandemic because you're on the Government's list of key workers (also known as critical workers). Or it may not be possible to do your job at home, and your employer has asked you to go into work.
When you're busy with work and trying to cope with new, unusual circumstances, it might not feel possible to take care of yourself. But even doing small things for yourself can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing, and there are lots of ideas you can try.
If you are working in the NHS, healthcare or the emergency services during coronavirus, you may have to cope with some difficult, unique experiences.
During coronavirus, you might experience some difficult feelings. These may be new feelings, or things you've experienced in the past.
There is no right or wrong way to feel or react to your situation. But these are some common feelings that you might experience during this time:
Stress
You might feel stressed during coronavirus, for example if you:
· Come into contact with a lot of people, including those who may have coronavirus.
· Have more work to do or you are working longer hours than you normally would.
· Feel uncertain about keeping your job or worried about money.
You might feel some of the effects of stress right away. But other effects could take longer to notice, including after the stressful event has ended.
Anxiety
You may experience anxiety during coronavirus. This might be because you are worried about your own health or the health of those around you, including those who you care for or live with.
You might feel even more anxious if your job involves working with people who have coronavirus or coming into contact with people who may be ill. And you may be concerned about accessing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if you need this to do your job safely.
This anxiety may be on top of other worries related to coronavirus, such as losing your job or problems with money.
Guilt
You may feel guilty about going into work during coronavirus, especially if you're worried about spreading coronavirus to the people around you.
You may also feel guilty if your response to the situation feels different to those around you. For example, if working under a lot of pressure might make you feel stressed, while your colleagues seem motivated.
But we all react to difficult situations in different ways, so it's important to be kind to yourself.
You may also feel guilty about seeking help for a mental health problem, at a time when it may seem like many others also need medical help.
Anger
Coronavirus might make you feel angry. This may be because:
· You have to go into work when others do not.
· You have to keep working in an environment where you may catch coronavirus.
· People around you are suffering, struggling or poorly.
· You don't feel supported by your employer or colleagues.
· You don't have the right equipment to do your job.
· There are a lot of major changes in your life.
When most of us experience anger, it doesn't have a big effect on our lives. Anger only becomes a problem when it gets out of control and harms you or the people around you.
During coronavirus, you may find it hard to take care of your mental wellbeing. This may feel even more difficult if you are working long hours or under a lot of pressure.
But even doing small things for yourself can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.
These are some ideas you can try:
· Connect with people.
· Safely meet with others outdoors.
· Use available support.
· Take care with news and information.
· Try to stay active.
· Look after your physical health.
If any of the above ring a bell or sounds like you… maybe consider joining a support or therapy group where you can listen and share your experiences with others in a similar position… for further details contact us on info@londontherapydirectory.com we are here to help.
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