'We've not been out since all this started'

[TheVampiresWife]

I heard this yesterday from someone DH works with (they're all wfh). A couple in their late 40s, no health issues with no vulnerabilities, fully vaccinated but 'you can't be too careful'.

They've not left the house apart from their vaccine appointments since the start of the first lockdown.

I understand how worrying it's all been for some people, particularly if you're vulnerable or have health anxiety. But it's so sad that people are this terrified. I wonder how they'll cope when restrictions end. The MH fallout from all this is going to be massive, isn't it?

I'm so concerned about the collateral effect of the lockdowns - I work in the NHS in a community role predominantly with older people and the effect of lockdowns has been devastating for so many of my patients. Many are now unable to go out (or even do basic tasks round the house) as they've physically deteriorated markedly, they're isolated from many of their friends and families and so many seem so sad and lost. It's utterly heartbreaking. There isn't the support in the community for them and our service is totally overwhelmed.

For all those who think that health anxiety is somehow pathetic and sufferers are leading rubbish lives through their own stupid choice, do you think people should just 'snap out of it'? If so, how would you advise them to achieve that? Some of you feel that showing kindness in the form of flowers etc is unhelpful so what would you do to help?

Why do so many people think that they know other people's medical histories? Are you really sure that Dave in IT is fit and healthy? He told me last week that he'd got a hereditary heart problem.

If introverts are enjoying quieter lives, spending more time with family, gardening, walking their dogs etc rather than looking forward to the hustle and bustle of the commute and sitting in an office with people they don't especially like, are they wrong? How can we help them to enjoy the noise of open plan offices and rubbish office coffee?

What's anyone hoping to gain by constantly repeating that Coronavirus is causing mental health problems?

@badgerswitharms

I'm so concerned about the collateral effect of the lockdowns - I work in the NHS in a community role predominantly with older people and the effect of lockdowns has been devastating for so many of my patients. Many are now unable to go out (or even do basic tasks round the house) as they've physically deteriorated markedly, they're isolated from many of their friends and families and so many seem so sad and lost. It's utterly heartbreaking. There isn't the support in the community for them and our service is totally overwhelmed.

This is exactly the sort of thing I mean. The fallout from Covid and services which were stretched before now becoming overwhelmed.

The isolation you describe is utterly heartbreaking.

It's utterly disgusting what people are being put through, it's now coming through that isolation is becoming a big problem in all sectors of people.

@PrettyVacancy

For all those who think that health anxiety is somehow pathetic and sufferers are leading rubbish lives through their own stupid choice, do you think people should just 'snap out of it'? If so, how would you advise them to achieve that? Some of you feel that showing kindness in the form of flowers etc is unhelpful so what would you do to help?

Why do so many people think that they know other people's medical histories? Are you really sure that Dave in IT is fit and healthy? He told me last week that he'd got a hereditary heart problem.

If introverts are enjoying quieter lives, spending more time with family, gardening, walking their dogs etc rather than looking forward to the hustle and bustle of the commute and sitting in an office with people they don't especially like, are they wrong? How can we help them to enjoy the noise of open plan offices and rubbish office coffee?

What's anyone hoping to gain by constantly repeating that Coronavirus is causing mental health problems?

You sound like you don’t believe that Covid has created mental health problems. For many they welcome the peace and quiet. They are happier. I was one of them for a long time. It didn’t stop me going to the supermarket and seeing friends and family when I could. I wasn’t worried about ‘catching it’. For many people they have lost all ability to make rational decisions for themselves. They are frightened, anxious and isolated. That isn’t healthy.

Covid is one of many things that has the ability to cause mental health problems so, no, you’re wrong about my thoughts on the matter.

For many they welcome the peace and quiet. They are happier. I was one of them for a long time. It didn’t stop me going to the supermarket and seeing friends and family when I could. I wasn’t worried about ‘catching it’. For many people they have lost all ability to make rational decisions for themselves. They are frightened, anxious and isolated. That isn’t healthy

Exactly this. There's a massive difference between enjoying the quiet, slower pace of life during lockdown/adopting elements of it going forward and isolating yourself entirely from the outside world, loved ones, even fresh air, out of fear. Of course the latter isn't healthy, particularly for those who pre-pandemic enjoyed a full social life/spending time with loved ones/holidays or whatever. Such an about-turn in a loved one would really worry me and I can't believe that some people would simply shrug and say each to their own.

Certainly the posters on this thread whose loved ones have isolated themselves like this are - very understandably - concerned.

Who exactly do you think is ‘shrugging’? Please, for clarity, tell me who the ‘shruggers’ are. Are they on this thread? People you’ve met in real life?

@PrettyVacancy I’ve read your posts on this thread. Why aren’t you willing to accept that some people will have suffered mentally though all this and are not just embracing “quieter lives”?

I do accept it. I also know, because of my profession, that many, many other things cause mental health problems.

My question is, why are so many of you indulging in hand wringing over this when you don’t have the full facts? If someone that you actually know is suffering from health anxiety then try to obtain professional help for them. What good is it doing anyone to speculate about the mental ill health of strangers? What can you do for them? Do they deserve more or less consideration than someone with schizophrenia or BPD or depression? I’ve not seen a similar outpouring of grief for those illnesses. Why not though?

@PrettyVacancy It’s a thread on MN discussing the general issues, which there most certainly have one. And you trying to shout down the OP time after time isn’t helpful. She has explained to you why she hasn’t sent mental health professionals to that door of the people that have sparked her thread.

What exactly is your profession?

Perhaps you realise because of your profession, whatever it is, that there is very little help for people with mental health issues generally, and particularly at the moment because there is such a demand. No face to face appointments anyway.
Most of us are observing friends and family who are struggling and isolated because of severe anxiety ABOUT COVID , not strangers.
It’s not a question of trying to find help for people who don’t think they have a problem. They genuinely believe they are right to be terrified because they are at risk.

@PrettyVacancy

Covid is one of many things that has the ability to cause mental health problems so, no, you’re wrong about my thoughts on the matter.

That is true. Possibly linked to the brain damage?

I must say I'm hoping the concern for other people's mental (and physical) health on this thread will carry on into other areas of life.

The UK is in a serious housing emergency was. In the capital of homelessness, London, there are 165,000 homeless people. Now that's something that will leave people understandbly frightened and anxious. Lack of a stable home takes a huge toll on physical and mental health.

Something urgently needs to be done.

What’s my profession? Is that a serious question ? What’s yours? Oh, and why not post your full name and address whilst you’re at it?

What I will say about my profession is that, unlike the multiplicity of virtue signallers on this thread, I’m actually helping people suffering from mental ill health in a very real way. As I keep saying, who is all this hand wringing helping? If you are so concerned get yourself into a career where you can do some real good. Misery tourism isn’t the way forward I assure you.

@PrettyVacancy Police Officer. I’m happy to post that. If you are going to mention your profession in a bid to add credibility to your opinion then I don’t think it’s out of order to be asked what your profession is.

And I do good every day.

Ok. I agree that you do good work and I’ll reciprocate by saying I’m a therapist and have been seeing clients, when the rules allowed me to, face to face if they wanted. Health anxiety is a very real problem but not the only one and definitely not the main one in our society.

*I must say I'm hoping the concern for other people's mental (and physical) health on this thread will carry on into other areas of life.

The UK is in a serious housing emergency was. In the capital of homelessness, London, there are 165,000 homeless people. Now that's something that will leave people understandbly frightened and anxious. Lack of a stable home takes a huge toll on physical and mental health.

Something urgently needs to be done*

Agree with this.

@PrettyVacancy Feel free to apologise for your post to me then.

there is very little help for people with mental health issues generally, and particularly at the moment because there is such a demand. No face to face appointments anyway

Absolutely true. I've attempted to access emergency help a couple of times during lockdown (for myself and someone very close to me) without luck. We're very fortunate to have a wonderful GP who has been very helpful but I realise not everyone is so lucky. I'm on antidepressants currently but the wait for further help is going to be a long one.

I really hope something is done about it TheVampiresWife It's probably more or at least as much of a health emergency as Covid.

With fears of going outside, I really do think a return to the office will help. Perhaps hybrid, 1/2 days a week WFH, to help ease people back, but I think once they have to go out it will gradually become easier for them again.

No apologies from me because I stand by everything I’ve said.

@PrettyVacancy I mean for the way you addressed me in your post.

I’m actually quite surprised you are a therapist after reading how you come across through this thread. I hope you are different in real life.

You seem to have a very punitive nature so you’re well suited to your job if you’re getting personal again. I hope you are a lot nicer in real life?

@PrettyVacancy What exactly are you talking about? I’ve posted four times in this thread so you have no idea what I’m like online or in real life.

On the other hand, I’ve read all of your many posts on this thread and that’s my opinion of you based on that. You have shouted down the op repeatedly and aren’t willing to consider what others say.

I disagree. Virtue signalling is pointless. You are, of course, welcome to believe it is valuable and continue to applaud the OP’s hand wringing on behalf of a couple whose medical history she knows inside out, despite not actually knowing the couple themselves. Far fetched, much?

I’m off to bed now but do feel free to keep your demands for me to alter my behaviour coming. Sadly, I won’t be complying 🙄