I have started to venture out, slowly at first, the post office, the fish shop, building up to the supermarket and a drink in a very quiet beer garden with my husband and son. My experiences have seen mixed emotions. The relief of getting out and making my own vitamin D instead of supplements. The fresh air, and the feeling that things are back on the way to normal. Those are the positives, but there are downsides. I was not prepared for the level of anxiety I experienced. Although I went with family at quiet times, I was overwhelmed by seeing lots of people (remember I have only seen two in person for over a year). I didn't want anyone to come near me, I wore my mask, washed my hands excessively and avoided touching my face. The second thing I was unprepared for was how little stamina I had. I tired easily, my knees hurt and I struggled to walk too far. Being at home for so long has had a significant impact on my fitness.
I suspect I am not in a small population of people who feel like this and I expect as a healthcare professional, not only in mental health services, you are going to encounter people feeling this way as we try to get back to what is described as ‘more routine’ NHS practices.
The NHS itself has recognised anxiety surrounding COVID-19 and published some tips for the general public, which you may find useful to pass on to patients and clients you encounter (NHS, 2021). I know this is a prescribing journal and that as prescribers you have a wide remit, but sometimes we have to remember that prescribing is only part of our practice and that other areas of healthcare guidance, advice and care can take precedence.
The NHS page lays out 10 simple things people can do to help take care of their mental health and wellbeing during times of uncertainty. Doing so will help people to think clearly, and make sure they can look after themselves and those they care about as best as possible.
The advice is good and combines common sense with practical tips, detailing where and how to get support. I particularly like the little video on mindful breathing, which aims to help you to be in the present and help you feel calmer. The video is less than two and a half minutes long, so anyone can find time to do this. I am already recommending this to friends. There are also links to relaxation techniques and sleep help tips.
There is a worry that the anxiety and low mood suffered by some may lead to increased requests for prescriptions from GPs and mental healthcare, but it is important to be able to recognise that non-pharmacological interventions can and should be offered before or alongside medicine interventions.
Keep being amazing and stay safe as we navigate this path out of lockdown together.