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I wanted to write a bit about how many of us may be feeling on Barra just now. My work involves supporting people with mental health difficulties, but right now, this may apply to a lot of us.  

Does anyone else feel like all this has been like one giant game of “whack-a-mole” with our mental health? As soon as we stick our heads back out above ground level it feels like another whack on the head of our emotional wellbeing… It’s stressful and exhausting, and on top of that many of us have dependents who we feel we need to be strong for.  

This bumpy year has looked and felt different for everyone. What we probably all have in common is that we have less of the things that used to keep us distracted or soften some of what we are feeling. The things that keep us feeling “okay”.  We may have less energy, due to pandemic fatigue and the darker months, and this can make it harder for the things that can help – connection, physical exercise, gratitude and perspective.   

Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. It will help to try and see it as a different period in your life, and not necessarily a bad one, even if you didn’t choose it.  Remind yourself that COVID-19 is a serious but temporary illness, and that life will return to normal in time.   

Perhaps you feel a lack of trust over the reasons for the rules, or how things are portrayed in the media. For example, you may think the rules are not enough to keep you safe. Or you may feel frustrated that you followed previous restrictions, but the area you live in now has rising infection rates. You may also feel angry at people you feel haven't followed the rules. It may make you feel powerless, and that the situation is beyond your control.  

I know that sometimes another phone call, or another walk can feel boring, when what you want is a proper chat with a group of friends.  But getting fresh air, daylight, exercise and a chat with a friend is so important – keep this going!   Be in touch with other people regularly on social media, e-mail or on the phone, as they are still good ways of being close to the people who matter to you.  We can still go for a walk or a run with a friend ensuring we are 2m away from each other.   

While it may feel like life has stopped, there are ways to keep these times in perspective and learn how to carry on. It sounds so simple, yet how difficult it can be in the face of worry or fear. You may feel like doing the very opposite and cut off from those around us. Please keep talking to friends and family, don’t cut off from those you love and trust, even if you feel really fed up – try and pick up the phone and actually have a conversation with someone – they are likely to be feeling the same way. We are social beings, but we’ve had to change our behaviour, which can create a feeling of isolation.  

There is no right or wrong way to feel right now. Whether you are finding lockdown difficult, or perhaps it provides a sense of relief, or both, your feelings are all valid. Involving our family and children in our plans for good health is essential. We need be alert to and ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them, without causing them alarm.  We need to minimise the negative impact it has on our children and explain the facts to them. Discuss the news with them but try and avoid over-exposure to coverage of the virus. Be as truthful as possible. Let’s not avoid the ‘scary topic’ but engage in a way that is appropriate for them.  

Please remember that the NHS really wants to hear from you if you have health problems – please do not leave them. If you have a healthcare appointment, please try to keep it. Some things may look and feel different, but we are doing our best to support you safely, and if you’re worried about something you can still seek help. You shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor about a physical health condition, and the same goes for your mental health: the earlier you seek help, the better.  

Keep connecting with others. Keep talking. Keep walking .Keep moving. Keep being kind to yourself and others.   

If you need to talk to someone, you can call:  

• NHS 24 Mental Health Hub on 111 – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year  
• Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 – Weekdays: Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am; Weekend: Friday 6pm – Monday 6am  
• Samaritans on 116 123 24 hours a day, 365 days a year  

Worrying about our own mental health, the mental health of our family and friends, as well as the future, are all understandable worries to have right now.   While many of our worries are warranted, it’s important to try to manage anxiety so that it doesn’t start to feel overwhelming or cause feelings of panic. The Psychological Wellbeing hub is for anyone who is struggling with the impact of COVID 19 affecting their mental wellbeing. There is help available for both adults and children. You can refer by clicking this link or by emailing wi.psychologicalsupportforcorona@nhs.scot  

The hub is NOT an emergency service. If you or someone you care about is at risk of harm please contact NHS 24 by calling 111 or contact your GP Surgery.   

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Gill Russell  
Mental Health Practitioner  
NHS Western Isles