Anyone else live alone and worried about thier mental health?

[Msgiggles30]

Hi everyone I did welcome the recent 'lockdown' announcement from Boris as so many people and especially teenagers out and about however now I cant stop crying!

I was social distancing anyway not going out and not seeing friends but was seeing my sister and mum at my mums house (they live together no risk factors and staying 2m apart sitting out the back etc.) the stark reality of not seeing someone I care about for weeks or months on end has really just hit me.

I newly live alone which I'm not fully used to yet and am normally really sociable so I really dont know how I will cope. I'm worried for my mental health and looking for some tips to keep me sane I suppose!

To add to this I am a teacher so I will be doing shifts in the new childcare system that's been set up but this is one day a week proabbalu and with random staff in a hub type scenario which is also sending my anxiety through the roof. I know maybe I am 'luckier' than others as ile get out to work one day a week but this almost feels worse! Thanks in advance for any tips x

Hi,

I also live alone and am v worried about my mental health going into lockdown. I suffered with depression and anorexia in the past and the only thing that has kept me relapsing these last few years has been my routine. I'm fairly introverted but I need decent social interaction. I also really rely on going to the gym to keep my mental health from slipping. So I am also freaking out about food shopping and exercise being controlled.

My plan is to set a routine. Skype a friend every day. Exercise everyday, I have resistance bands to use at home and I will go on a two hour walk for my designated exercise lol. I will try and say hello or exchange pleasantries with people I see on my walk. I also plan to walk with another friend who lives on her own if its allowed. Also I have lots of projects on a to do list, big projects that will take a couple of hours and be a mental distraction e.g. shampooing the sofa, bleaching the patio, painting the shed/a room etc. I have also just panic bought a tonne of books on Amazon! I find podcasts and the radio useful.

Do you have any ideas of what you would like to fill your routine with? It will be different for everyone as everyone has different interests. You can PM me for support and companionship if you like! Or maybe we could start a support thread on here?!

Dont worry OP, it's tough and scary but we'll survive. You're not alone

That's a good idea I think i will need a routine too! This has made me realise i really dont have hobbies. I will be working from home on online teaching so that will take up some time and then maybe I will go for a walk when done. I just crave face to face interaction and never stay home for a whole day so it's a challenge. I've heard audible is free at the moment if you like podcasts? X