Research has revealed that almost half of Scottish adults (43 per cent) who have met up with others with the easing of covid restrictions, have found it more overwhelming than expected.
The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.
The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said:
“As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others. Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.
“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace. Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.
“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed. Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”
“We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now. As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes. We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing. This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.” Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart
To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot
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This is very timely.
Since March 2020, I’ve mostly been at home.
I talk with my neighbours when I see them.
Mike and I go out for walks, sometimes come across people also out for walk, and – keeping our distance – sometimes have a chat.
Last July (?) when things had eased quite a lot, two friends came to visit, separately. We were mostly in the garden, and wore our masks indoors. That was early days, and I hadn’t been a hermit for so long then, so it wasn’t such a big deal. https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/06/12/stretching-out/
Last September we went to Wellpark https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/09/20/going-shopping/ , where we were mostly outside, and only had contact with the man on the till. Same thing a couple of weeks ago.
The only time I’ve been where there were a lot of people was for my Covid jabs. I was trepidatious, told myself to stay calm and take it steady, and I was fiiiiiiine. I thought the folk organizing it would have it sorted, and they did.
But…next big thing……on Monday I’m going to Specsavers. My eye test is overdue, and I’ve noticed that my sight is deteriorating further, so, when I had a notification that they were coming back and was asked to make an appointment, I was keen to do so.
I tell myself that they will also have to have it well organized, and I hope they will…..but……but….. I am trepidatious again. I’m telling myself to make sure I rest on Sunday, so’s I’m not tired, as I have this problem with tiredness, and then, Mike will take me along, and I’ll….go with the flow.
I’ll prepare myself before I go – sit quietly, and, as this item suggests, breathe deeply and steadily.
I’ve been thinking about it – trying not to over think it! But I think about how I will have to get used to this – get back into being with people again. I have this idea that when I meet folk, now, I gabble at them. I feel that, being unused to being with people, a sort-of pressure-cooker effect happens and I ………..go on a bit! Maybe I do!
Anyway, yes, this item is timely. For the folk who have, through necessity, been at home – communicating over t’Internet, but not having much personal contact, it is a bit of a hurdle to get across.
I’m thinking, I don’t have to jump the hurdle, I can walk up to it, size it up, climb over it carefully if necessary – like I do with stiles on walks. I go up one side, sit on the top, then swing round and down the other side, and it works – mostly.
So, I’ll be set up for Monday…..approaching the hurdle, seeing what’s what, taking it steady. Remembering I can always go home if I feel I need to, but not intending to do so. Being dugget……. https://theorkneynews.scot/2018/09/04/orkney-walksthe-south-ronaldsay-east-coast-walk-last-bit-which-went-a-bit-odd/
Hmmmmmmmmm. Should be interesting………..no doubt I’ll write about for TON!