” Healing takes time and asking for help is a courageous step.” – Mariska Hargitay
Talking about mental health is essential right now. During the Covid-19 pandemic, poor mental health is at an all-time high throughout the UK. Anxiety has consumed over 45% of the UK population since the second rise of Covid-19 cases alone, resulting in 10% of the population experiencing extremely damaging thoughts since the start of August 2020. Regarding this, I would like to shine a light on ways in which to cope during these troubling times and how Jacksons have played a big part in the re-instituting of employees, clients and the mindsets that have been affected by the current pandemic.
While lockdown has been a blessing for some, having thrived in their own company, or having time usually spent at work being home with their families, others have not been so lucky. With new restrictions in place it is critical to get the conversation about mental health going again, especially in relation to Covid-19 and the workplace.
“Coping” can be a daunting thought to someone experiencing mental health issues. The idea of coping can become overwhelming and eventually become harmful. For example, 28% of those aged 18 to 70 in the UK admitted to using more alcohol than average as a mode of distraction during lockdown.
To avoid this, maintaining awareness of your own feelings can become beneficial as identifying the issue can mean quickly obtaining a way of understanding your emotions more regularly and can lead to finding solutions where possible. In short, please talk to someone! Understanding how you feel may come from speaking to someone else about it, whether that be a family member, a friend or a professional. For those who prefer not to verbally express their emotions, most mental health services have now introduced Covid-friendly services, such as real-time texting with a mental health professional, and even emailing. There is always an option to speak with someone, even if speaking over the phone is not your preferred method.
Thankfully, Jacksons have supported members of staff regarding their return to work, providing part-time hours to those who may have struggled with the transition back into their hectic work routine.
Jacksons have also ensured that support is offered to those who are currently and/or have been affected by the pandemic, physically or emotionally, directly, or generally. This support has been provided through appointed Mental Health First Aiders within the workplace who are trained to see the signs of those who may be struggling and providing access to support services.
A communications meeting is held every two weeks, in which our managing partner, Jane Armitage, addresses all current Jacksons’ matters and makes certain that Jacksons’ staff are aware of who to speak with if they are feeling low or need any more support.
Creating a healthy life balance is also a highly recommended way of conquering the negative power that low mental health can have over your daily life. Take the positives and negatives of your day to create a plan of action. Those negatives will always be there, but always ensure you admire the positives and use them to counteract the hardships. This technique can be used in your personal life and professional life, or one can be used to reduce the stress of the other.
Practicing self-care is like climbing mount Everest when living with a mental illness; it can feel impossible, and you can often feel defeated while trying. During lockdown, people of many ages have been affected by loneliness; grandparents not seeing their families, young couples living apart for months at a time. Therefore, making sure you look after yourself during these times is so important. Self-care is a vast range that varies from simply walking through your local area and getting some fresh air to making your bed in the mornings. Self-care can give you a sense of helpfulness and purpose which is critical during these uncertain times.
Sadly, there may always be situations in which you may feel helpless and unfortunately these cases are currently rising. In this instance, there are many services you can contact, and in this state, I beg that you do!
(A to Z NHS Mental Health Helplines: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/)
Emma Oakley, Apprentice
Statistics: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Advice: www.pro.psychcentral.com
