COVID = CHANGE = DIFFERENT FEELINGS.

HAS COVID MADE YOU FEEL ANGRY OR ANXIOUS, FEARFUL OR FRUSTRATED, RESENTFUL OR RELIEVED, TRAPPED OR THANKFUL?

The world has changed in 2020 in a way none of us could have predicted.

We have new words; COVID, lockdown, social distancing, contact tracing, the new normal, and new rules on how to shop, work, socialise (or not), and study with restrictions on where we can go and what we can do.

It isn’t just new words, it is a complete change to the way we live and this brings up new and different feelings for us which as humans we don’t like.

How have these changes made you feel?

For some, it is a “relief” getting off the hamsters wheel, not commuting, for others it is “stressful” homeschooling children, not being able to work, or being furloughed, losing or reducing your income.

For others “frustration” at not being able to do sports and hobbies and “trapped” with no social activities like church, eating out, and seeing friends and family.

Remember that all feelings are OK, even though they are sometimes uncomfortable.

We are humans, not robots and we have feelings to help us navigate our world.

You might be very “happy” that you don’t have to go to school or university.

Some introverts say they “love” lockdown as they don’t need to interact with other people as much. Extroverts are saying they are feeling “lost” or “lonely” that they can’t socialise and energise.

Some people are feeling “irritated” with their partner home so much, spending a lot more time together or “enjoying” the extra time they are having together.

You might feel guilty that you have benefited whilst others have suffered, or envious others have done well.

You might be shocked at these unexpected changes, or disappointed that plans you had are postponed or cancelled.

Some tips on how to process these feelings:

1. Become aware of your own feelings towards these changes.

2. Visualise the changes and recognise the feelings you have. (I have attached a list of feelings to help you).

3. Keep a note of your feelings

4. What are they telling you and helping you to understand

5. Verbalise them to yourself and others

6. Use self talk to regulate these emotions

“I recognise that because of these changes I feel. …………. right now and it is understandable and it is OK to feel this way.”

Remind yourself

“I won’t necessarily feel this forever. I look forward to when circumstances change for me”.

“There is nothing I can do to change the situation right now as it is out of my control I accept this reality and my feelings."

Consider

“What options and choices do I have to change your situation”.

By using tools like this we can be in control of our emotions to regulate them so they help us rather than hinder us.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger please call 999.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts reach out to the Samaritans at:

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/if-youre-having-difficult-time/

or call 116 123.

#mentalhealthawareness#Covid-19