How’s lock down affected your mental health

[Sunnydays999]

For me at the start it helped . Working from home reduced stress and anxiety . I had more time . Got the house sorted with the extra time and money I used traveling .
Now I few a bit low / anxious . I miss been out with friends . I need to get back to the gym , having cake and wine with friends . I just feel the happiness and joy is sucked out of life . I’m coping by decorating and the house but I’m struggling now . I’m drinking to much as well

I feel same

Except not drinking

Going back to London to the office two days a week from next week

Need to.

Like you I was better at the beginning. Not being allowed to go out meant my social anxiety was eased, although my depression got slightly worse.

However now I'm agoraphobic and my depression is the worst its ever been. My intrusive thoughts are worse than ever and I've started suffering from disassociation as well. Last night it was so bad I actually thought I was going insane

@WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo I’m sorry to hear that . I suffer with dissociation as well , much better since I had Edmr . There have been times tho I have sunk back to that . I feel I’m treading water trying to make it to the end of March . Like you I hope my mental health will hang on .
It doesn’t help when idiots say take a chill pill you’re not going to war . It just shows the lack of awareness some people have .

What protective things do you have in place ? Does grounding techniques help at all hang on

@Kbear yes I’m hoping to go back soon . That will help . I need be aware from the house , see colleagues . Just be away

Its hard to tell because I've had a horrendous year of death, 2 job losses and my husband left me for a younger woman 21 years younger).
My circumstances have meant I've been isolated alone literally staying at home seeing only the Tesco click and collect man every 10 days and saying hello to dog walkers on my walks. We live in Wales and moved here for husbands work. I don't know many people except my old work colleagues that livev25/30 miles away, so I haven't been able to bubble with anyone at all. When I say I've been at home alone, people don't seem to get that's totally alone 24/7. No one pops in or lives locally enough to join me on a walk.
I've been unbelievably low for alot of it but that's probably more bereavement and the loss of my marriage than lockdown.

What does worry me is because I've been so isolated and been stuck at home except for walks, I'm quite anxious about getting back out there. I'm excited and want to but I'm aware I've become quite over cautious when it comes to covid. I know I've got some anxieties to overcome.

@WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo I found mindfulness on senses helped a little ( free on you tube ) it helps me before I go to far back in . Would it be worth seeing you’re gp to get some proper help x

I've been through so many horrible phases. I think the worst was just before Xmas when work got really stressful and I got really obsessed with it, working ridiculous hours and going bonkers basically. It all seemed really important at the time but once I was on leave for Xmas I realised how utterly dangerous my MH had got. It was valuable experience in a way because now I know the warning signs and how to stop it spiralling.

Jan and Feb I’m usually a bit low but have loved not having to go out in cold dark mornings. First couple of days of Feb was hard - when will it ever end... but feels like we’re coming towards the end now.

@MatHancockLovesMyTits I aren’t surprised you feel down . That’s such a awful situation. You must have some good inner strength to get yourself through all that .

Thanks @Sunnydays999. I hope you can keep yourself afloat.

I'm on medication for depression and anxiety and have weekly therapy sessions. Its the 5th lot I've had, but the best so far. Its really helping. Usually reading or craft helps but last night I just couldn't do anything. I didnt feel 'real' is the only way I can describe it. The joke is I used to be a MH support worker.

and for anyone else who's suffering.

@MoroSun what's the for? Its not usually a good thing on here

@notdaddycool I struggle with the dark nights . I have loads of fairly lights up to have it as bright as possible ! I’m so glad spring is here .

@WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo I think the poster is deliberately being obnoxious just ignore them . Being a mental health worker doesn’t make you immune . I totally get the not feeling real . It’s really horrible . I used to feel like I was floating and looking in .

The sun this past week has helped tremendously.
Luckily I have zoom and Teams and do chat to friends and family several times a week. Once a fortnight we have a girls night zoom. My adult kids video call me every now and again too and WhatsApp me most days. So I do have virtual interaction.

I can't wait to hug my mum. I've not seen her since last summer.

But yes I've had some very dark moments and been tearful at random moments.

@MerryDecembermas yes I think knowing the signals is a big thing . Previously Iv missed them and ended up in a dangerous mess . I think this thread is almost a way for me talk about it and journal how I feel . And to think how I’m going to look after myself . knowing warning signs for your mental health should be taught at school !

Knowing your warning signs is so important! Although it helps if the professionals actually listen. I went to the GP because I knew my MH was declining. The locum I saw told me I was fine and just needed to sleep more (no shit Sherlock. That's one of the reasons I came to see you). My MH then spiralled to the extent I had to be signed off work. Eventually I was 'let go' because I'd been off for over a year.

I can't help but wonder where I'd be now if the locum has listened in the first place.

I’ve been struggling with my mental health over the past few years, I joined a group in 2019 that actually helped.......then come convid. 2020 was the worst ever, we were isolated from each other and then my dearest mum died in Oct. I don’t know how I’m going to carry on now. I kept going because I couldn’t leave her alone but now! I’ve got nothing. Life is now an actual living hell

Totally agree with you I'm the same at the start I enjoyed it now I'm like a hermit dont want to go out. Anxiety through the roof If I do need to. Feel like a crap mum.!

It's improved my mental health a lot, but now that the roadmap to normality as been announced im really anxious about getting back to normal.

I've had anxiety for over a decade and just had to make myself do things that made me anxious. After almost a year of not having to do those things, I'm very out of practice, and I'm not sure I can make myself do them anymore.

@LindaEllen i found my anxiety reduced at the beginning, I was happy to work at Home . I’m back in the office next week and as much as I’m happy I’m nervous . I tend to take on others stress . You must make time for yourself at home . Plenty of time alone , so it doesn’t get to much . I’m so glad things have been better for you x

@xxlala7xx why ? It’s been such a hard situation. We aren’t meant to live like this.

@WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo that is awful . If one positive comes from this lockdown it has to be that everyone is talking about mental health . They need to listen . Not sleeping is a huge warning for me , as then I stop eating start drinking and end up quite manic . I know now that being tearful and not taking interest in self Care is a warning for me

@Ladybird69 oh I’m so sorry that’s horrible for you . Could you join the group again ? Do they do it on Zoom - do you have any support

Same as you op.
You're right though it has got everyone talking about mental health so hopefully it will continue.