Pandemic Fatigue
Reaching October 2020 we are now over 7 months from the beginning of the first lock down in the UK ! Did anyne believe that this would be having such an impact on us 7 months later? Maybe you thought that first lockdown would be the end of it? Maybe you hoped that by now we would be back in to some sort of normality?
Unfortunatley where we are is back to what feels like daily anouncements about impending restrictions, reminders about using face coverings and staying in when you can, and all of this means that the pandemic is a constant part of our lives and this means that it is also a constant factor when it comes to our mental health.
WHO (the World Health Organisation) published that fear, worry and stress are normal responses to a perceived threat and at times when we are experiencing uncertainty. It is therefore understandable that this is what many of us are experiencing during these difficult times. Added to this threat and uncertainty we are also experiencing isolation, being unable to have our usual social and family contact, financial difficulties and restrictions to our every day lives. The effect that this is having on us finally has a name “pandemic fatigue”
Does a name for this help? Not on it’s own, but it can feel good to know that you are not in this alone, that we are experiencing something that is shared and is normal. If you are feeling unable to cope this is understandable and it is Okay to not only accept but also to share this experience with others. The more we share how we are feeling the more of the shame and stigma we can strip off those feelings and let everyone know that it is OK to not only feel this way but also to seek out help if they need it.
Here at EWG we are working hard behind the scenes to expand our free services so that we can try to help as many people as possible through this time, and there are many other charities and non profit around the country who are also offering their help. Let’s band together to try and get through this unprecidented time and to help support the mental health of a whole nation.