Despite two vaccines being approved for use in the UK, there are still tough months ahead for the millions of people waiting for their injections. Lockdowns, fearmongering, changing news and opposing views affect people’s mental health and stability during this pandemic. Our anxiety can spiral out of control, making it hard for us to leave home; meanwhile, depression can leave us thinking negatively about our future and feeling unable to get out of bed. Both mental health issues need to be taken seriously, as left unacknowledged, they can cause even worse symptoms such as suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts have already shown an increase, especially in young adults.You need to prepare your mental health for 2021, and understand which situations can harm your health and happiness. For example, if you know that a lockdown is coming, you can start practising self-care and mental health tips which will prevent detrimental damage. Please keep reading for even more information and advice so that you can reduce the likelihood of developing harmful mental health issues in 2021.

Damage From Lockdowns

While beneficial for lowering the R rate and preventing the virus from spreading, lockdowns can damage our mental health. People can feel isolated from the rest of the world, fall into a deep depression by not being able to do the things they love or face anxiety over leaving the house even for essentials.While we have had a few days notice for lockdowns before, we’re currently entering a territory where a new lockdown can be imposed or lifted with hours notice - and have been. These last-minute life-changing decisions can have detrimental effects on our mental health. But, if you come to an understanding that a lockdown can happen at any moment - you can prepare your mental health for it. Set up a self-care routine, prepare your work for moving at-home at any moment, and even start therapy in advance so that you have that support when you need it most.

Waiting on the Covid-19 Vaccine

Now that we have vaccines available, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We know that we finally have a stronger level of protection against this virus for us all. However, the government is taking an approach by which key workers and the vulnerable are the first vaccinated. Therefore, the rest of us are left waiting in anticipation for our turn. Despite young age and good health often indicating minimal symptoms if you catch the virus, it can still be nerve-wracking going about our day to day and not having that security blanket of the vaccine to protect us as we desire.All of this anxiety can be harmful to our mental health, leaving us scared from evening stepping out the front door. Over time, this anxiety can become deeply rooted and potentially follow us past the pandemic and affect other aspects of our lives. The best way to prevent this from happening is to avoid surrounding yourself with news of Covid-19 and seek support for your mental health. Therapy is an excellent way to get the advice and reassurance you need that your life doesn’t have to be riddled by anxiety. By taking the time to sit down and talk with an expert like myself, you can have the compassionate ear and knowledgeable supporter you need to overcome your mental health issues.

Uncertainty for Summer and Beyond

As much as the vaccine will help get our lives back to normal, we genuinely don’t know when this will begin. How many vaccines we can get out per week and how many people get one can affect how quickly we can start to stamp out this virus. This then affects how long it takes for our lives to get back to normal. Many dates are being thrown around from Spring to Easter, Summer and the end of 2021. We don’t know precisely when lives can start returning to normal, which can be a source of stress for many of us. Whether work or home life is being affected, not knowing when things can fall back in their right place can leave you awake at night worrying.Stress is detrimental for our mental health, and one study found that 74% of adults were so stressed that they felt they were unable to cope - and that was before Covid-19! Protecting our mental health from stress is vital for ensuring we look to the future positively rather than with fear. Therapy can provide you with the tips, tricks and advice you need to understand how to manage your stress levels and keep a positive outlook on life.Please take a look at our website to learn more about my services as a therapist and how I can support your mental health journey in 2021. With such uncertainty still surrounding our future and a long wait for many for a vaccine, it can be hard sitting at home or heading into the office worrying about your future. If you think you are spiralling down a dark hole of anxiety and depression, please don’t hesitate to contact me today to strengthen and support your mental health.