UK Lockdown Easing - A Happy Time for All? (Perhaps not)

As the lockdown begins to lift in the UK many are thrilled to have a taste of normality. Thousands have sipped pints in a pub gardens, queued for Primark and had their first gym session of 2021. While we’re still a far cry away from pre-pandemic life, now the vaccines have been rapidly rolled out we can finally glimpse freedom on the horizon. There’s excitement all around. For most.

Whilst it can’t be disputed that a lessened risk of catching a potentially deadly disease is something to celebrate, this is not a time of joy for all. We have had to adjust to so many aspects of life being forcibly altered over the past year. From working at home, not being allowed to travel, adhering to social distancing and being isolated from those dearest in our lives. And although these have all been difficult to accept - we’ve carried on for the sake of the nations health (well, most of us).

Now we begin to enter another period of upheaval and adjustment back to pre-pandemic life. Which for many, is going to be tremendously stressful. Places will be busier and full of people, work will commence as normal, responsibilities will resume and we will be expected to adapt to significant change once again. We will enter back into environments that now feel unfamiliar. We will face people that we haven’t seen in a considerable amount of time. We will resume the fast pressured pace of life.

And whilst the majority are planning their holidays, organising parties and booking in at restaurants - others are wondering how they are going to cope facing the triggers, anxieties and environments that have worsened their mental health in the past. Those who don’t have strong social connections or family ties may also feel increasingly alone at this time, acutely aware that they have no one to celebrate the ease of restrictions with - which is a major theme across social media posts.

The hope of this post is to encourage awareness that this is not a happy time for all and to be particularly gentle with those around you as we begin returning to normality. Be kind, be mindful and be aware that it’s not always obvious when someone is struggling.