‘We are social creatures’
A second full lockdown could put a major strain on those already suffering with their mental health according to Leeside experts.
Speaking to the Cork Independent, counselling psychologist at Spectrum Mental Health Cork, Nicole Paulie, said that her clinic has seen a marked increase in the amount of people seeking help over the last five months.
“The thought of having to go back into lockdown can be tough for a lot of people. Many of us are starting to experience lockdown fatigue and are getting tired from having to deal with the difficulties associated with moving between the varying stages of restriction,” said Ms Paulie.
National statistics collected by Spectrum Mental Health over the last five months indicate that 56 per cent of people seeking help presented with concerns related to conflict in the home.
Similarly, 56 per cent expressed concerns over the uncertainty of their current situation, with 50 per cent presenting with difficulties surrounding working from home.
One in five had concerns about their eating behaviour, while one in four were worried about job security. The clinic also recorded that 39 per cent were concerned with the wellbeing of family and friends.
Ms Paulie continued: “We are social creatures who need to have connection with others. Ironically, the people I’ve noticed struggling more are people experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time. When it comes to isolation, especially for those who live alone, it’s really important to try to include connection, whether virtual or in person, at least once or twice a day.”
According to Leeside therapist Emma Doyle of mental health care group MyMind, a second lockdown would bring further anxiety, especially to those with financial worries.
“People who are trying to keep businesses afloat and employ people are being very badly hit by this pandemic and the struggles of carrying that responsibility can have an impact on the mental health,” said Ms Doyle.
She has also noted a significant increase in appointments since the onset of the pandemic, and said that isolated people need more support and an “outlet to discuss their feelings”, which they normally might do with work colleagues and friend.
Ms Doyle said: “There is sometimes an assumption that somebody has to have had something really bad to happen them to come to therapy. This is not true. Sometimes people need an outlet and to speak to somebody objectively. They need to be listened to without judgement.”
The positives
However, there have been a number of noted positives regarding lockdown and mental health, such as people having more time for themselves, as well as an increased appreciation for social interaction.
According to Ms Paulie, the pandemic has taught us that caring for one’s self “really needs to come first”.
She said: “I think people have really started to realise how important social connections are, and are perhaps realising just how much time we’ve all been spending on our devices up until now.”
Ms Paulie continued: “It’s forced some of us to build closer bonds with family members. While it was tough for me to work from home while parenting, I got to connect with my son in a way I haven’t been able to in a long time.”
Ms Doyle added that the pandemic has forced people to stop, slow down and “take stock of the real priorities in life”.
“One thing that I’ve noticed since the pandemic is that people are evaluating more how they spend their time. The things we normally take for granted like calling to an elderly parent, meeting a friend for a drink, or going to watch a GAA match. These are now precious.”