Recovery Interrupted?

One of the occupying concerns I have had since social distancing was implemented in the UK, has been for those who have been attending our weekly community group. Online I have ongoing contact with many more in terms of numbers. However, I am aware of the needs of face to face contact and encouragement particularly for those who are waiting for referrals, or for those who are in the process of recovering from mental health issues, which means our group meetings have built (or were in the process of building) relationships which serve to support our members manage mental health in their daily lives.

We are doing our best to keep connected, but with the best will in the world, connection and relationships cannot be fully healed without the ability to meet up and read mood and body language. Easier for someone to shrug off low moods when online or through distancing messaging and go back into our cocoons. Never has it been easier for people to mask their emotional and mental struggles, particularly those of us who live alone.

This has been brought home to me through the rise in statistics around domestic abuse and some cases of people dying alone at home from Covid-19. Both physical illness and domestic abuse are major contributors to poor mental health.

So let's be more alert for signs that would normally go unnoticed.

1) We are all social distancing so if someone has not been seen out and about for a while that can easily be overlooked. Do you know if your friends are using their opportunity to get outside of their house. Honestly when you are at your lowest, the thought of such activity is almost impossible to contemplate. How can you check on those who live alone and are at risk from neglecting physical care?

2) Have your friends or family disappeared from all social media? Can you check if the green dot appears next to their name? Can you message them privately?

3) When did you last have a meaningful conversation with isolated people that wasn't about the current situation?

4) Do you make times to contact your friends and family to video chat? It is easier to check in if you have made definite arrangements, it also gives both you an opportunity to have appointments again to look forward to.

5) If you are unable to make any contact via distancing means it is reasonable to go to their door and check on them. That would be allowed.

6) All the usual people are available to seek help if you need to ask for it. It may take a different form, but you can still contact the person's GP or phone 111 for advice on what next steps to take. However, if you believe there is an immediate risk to the life of anyone then 999 is your option.

7) It is important that we all monitor our own moods and recognise when we need to ask for help. Again, your GP is still there and can do video chats and if necessary arrange for a face to face appointment. Organisations like the Samaritans have not gone anywhere. They can be contacted through their usual phone number 116 123 from any phone. You can also email if you feel unable to talk: jo@samaritans.org (this takes 24 hours to receive a response)

Above all, whether you are concerned about yourself or others, tell someone and get the help you deserve. Just because we are in the middle of a health crisis caused by a virus there is no competition which says, your needs or health issues are less important. All lives matter and it is okay to not be okay with what is happening around us. That is to be human.