The prolonged lockdowns and social restrictions have doubled the number of people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety in UK. Chances are you or a loved one is also affected by the mental health effects of the pandemic.
So, how can you help yourself or someone you love who’s struggling? Take note of what you can do for effective intervention.
How the Lockdown Affects Your Mental Health
The first step to managing mental health problems during the lockdown is to determine how the situation can affect you.
Depression Symptoms During Lockdown
- Isolation and social distancing leads to loneliness
- Hopelessness due to major life changes, including job loss, death of a loved one, or being diagnosed with an illness
- Overwhelming stress due to financial struggles and lifestyle modifications
- Feeling empty due to emotional fatigue caused by sudden changes
Anxiety Symptoms During Lockdown
- Excessive worrying about the present and future situation
- Feeling of dread caused by uncertainty and disconnect from the world
- Inability to relax, putting one’s body in a tiring fight or flight cycle
- Resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms to reduce restlessness
However, there are instances where untreated depression and anxiety symptoms can get worse and lead to dangerous consequences.
Warning Signs of Depression and Anxiety
Be on the lookout for the following danger signs of depression and anxiety:
- Engaging in self-destructive behaviour
- Withdrawal from family or close friends
- Suicidal thoughts
If you are experiencing any of these warning symptoms, seek professional help immediately.
How to Manage Depression and Anxiety During Lockdown
While still following public health measures, how can you help yourself or a loved one during these challenging times?
Be Open With Your Feelings
Reach out to your loved ones and talk about your feelings through the internet or a telephone. Vocalising your feelings, instead of bottling them up, help alleviate tension and reduce stress.
Another underrated reason why listening support is important is that it helps a person see the bigger picture. And when the problem is as clear as daylight, finding a solution can be easier.
Seek Professional Listening Support
Sometimes, opening up is not enough. After all, everyone is already preoccupied with their own pandemic battles. However, this does not mean that you can’t ask for much-needed emotional help.
The good news is that there is listening support available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Here at Talking for Therapy, we understand how overwhelming the lockdown has been emotionally and psychologically. So, our advisors are ready to provide unconditional listening support whenever you need it.
Reliable Emotional Support During Lockdown
The lockdown may not allow people to get physically close, but this does not mean that you have to be alone. You can count on our advisors to guide you through symptoms of depression and anxiety during UK lockdown.
Talking for Therapy is not just for anxiety and depression. Whenever you’re feeling down, lost, or hopeless, you can also reach out to us. No problem is too small or too big for our advisors.
Book an appointment today, and let’s talk about YOU.
