The shields drop…

Today marks the day that Shielding officially ends in the UK. And you think I would be planning to go out and about right?

Wrong.

People who were identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable were advised to take extra care to avoid contracting Covid-19 and asked to “shield” because they have been considered more at risk of needing hospital treatment. Shielding meant not leaving  homes and minimising all face-to-face contact. 

No going to the supermarket. No going to the workplace etc

Now official shielding comes to an end, it makes me realise how institutionalised one gets (I had a similar experience in hospital, whilst I wanted to desperately go home, after 10 days I was scared to).

In all honesty I feel anxious about the next steps, I don’t think I am alone. I also don’t think this feeling is just for “shielders” either. For many of us, even the happy, much wanted changes and re-adjustment may be difficult for our mental health. 

Just as it took us all time to find ways of coping during lockdown, (anyone else cry at weird things a year ago?) we need to accept that it is likely to take time to find our way back, and to reconnect with life.  Things may not be the same as they were before, and we are all travelling at different speeds.

Each of us have experienced things differently, with situations unique to us. Because of this it is really important to try not to judge ourselves harshly based on what other people are doing (or judge others for not doing what you are doing).

Whilst I look forward to getting in the car and walking the dog somewhere else, I do not relish the idea of mixing with the masses again just yet. The vaccine roll out will help with this though. I’m lucky to have had my first jab, but risk still exists.

I have coped with lockdown ok, and tried to focus on the positives. I’m lucky where I live, have a big garden, a dog to train and a step daughter to bring us a fresh of breath air on weekends. The isolation for me has not been too bad, I’m very content with my own company. I’ve seen my husband for a dog walk at lunch time then when he finishes work at 9pm I’m invariably in my pjs so we have been lucky not to be in each other’s pockets (he may say otherwise 😉 )

What has been tough has been the lack of choice – not actually being able to pick and choose what I want to do, see the folks, in-laws, mates, go running with my club etc. This has been the same for us all though.

So as the world starts to open up why am I not making plans straight away?

Well, although CEV people will no longer be asked to shield by the Government, the NHS still recommends that we take extra precautions to protect ourselves while the virus is still spreading in our communities. The updated guidance provides practical steps that cover things like socialising, travel and going to work and school – whilst of course following the SD, hand washing, and fresh air advice too. We are told to continue to minimise the number of social interactions that we have.

It is basic maths really – the fewer social interactions you have, the lower your risk of catching COVID-19. So what does it mean?

Social Interactions

It now comes down to trust. I will only be willing to put myself in a position with other people if I can trust that they in turn have been sensible and limited their own social interactions. On reflection I should have made plans this week before everyone started mingling again! Once mingles begin, I’m less likely to want to do much until I’m three weeks post jab #2 (mid June)

Fear and anxiety are possibly the most common emotional responses any of us will feel as we approach the release from lockdown, and I have issues with health anxiety at the best of times!

I am aware that it’s likely that as others around me start to emerge from lockdown and start to do things that I miss, I may feel more isolated and less able to resist pressure to step outside my comfort zone, but I do want to try hard to go at my own pace.

Work

Even now, everyone is currently advised to work from home where possible. If you cannot work from home, then yes go to the workplace that is covid-secure.

My employers have been fantastic, though saying that we were all to work from home til 29th March anyway, and continue to do so as it is still advised.

Working from home has always worked for me, before my current job I worked from home for years and have always found myself more productive. I suspect many organisations are having the conversations about WFH / WFO especially as collaboration tools such as Teams has made comms much better than they ever have been (imo).

Travel

If I need to travel, I’ll walk or cycle if I can.

For longer journeys I’ll drive but I am not to car share with people from outside my bubble.

We have flights booked for a family trip in August to our second home and that is the only public transport I am happy considering to be honest (check out flying in covid here)

Shops

I’ll still qualify for priority delivery slots and plan to use them (saves SO much money btw) and I think Mr J quite enjoys doing the top up shops, coming home with random bits.

Face coverings

I’ll be wearing these for ages, no harm in following WHO advice at all!

Mostly, I’ll take my mummy’s advice, and take it at my own pace.

It will be easy for people to feel pressurised to do stuff they are not comfortable with and if that is you, you are not alone. I’ll be learning to say thank you but no. If I say that to you, please don’t feel offended, it doesn’t mean I don’t love you, just that I need to still be careful about what I do, where I go and with how many others. It’s not you, it’s me

If you struggle with fear or anxiety, here are some coping mechanisms I found that may help.

Control what can be controlled – there are a lot of things you can’t control that cause you fear and anxiety – but there are some things you can manage or plan for. Having an action plan for managing things you might find difficult can help.   

Pace yourself – recognising that you need to go at the right pace for you is important. Don’t let others bully or pressure you into doing things you don’t want to – but try not to let that be an excuse not to push yourself, especially when it comes to reconnecting with friends safely, outside your home, when rules allow and the time is also right for you. It can be hard to let others move forward without you – maybe your child wants to see friends or needs to return to work, but you can’t. It’s important to discuss concerns with those close to you, but also to allow other people space to move at their own pace.    

Build up tolerance – try doing something that challenges you every day, or every few days. Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t go well but keep at it. Keep a note of things you’ve achieved, enjoyed or surprised yourself doing.   

Vary your routines – try and vary your routines so that you see different people and encounter different situations. If one supermarket makes you nervous, try another. If a walk at one time of the day is very busy, try mixing walks at busy times with walks at quieter times.  

Talk to work – Many workplaces are allowing more flexible working even if people need to return. If you are finding it hard to get to work, or do particular shifts or activities because of anxiety or fear, speak to your manager or a colleague you trust if that feels right. If you have or have had longer term mental health problems, you may be entitled to reasonable adjustments as a disabled person under the Equality Act. Even if you haven’t disclosed before, if it feels safe to do so now you might be able to benefit from doing so. 

Focus on the present – you can only do your best with what you have today. With regulations changing frequently, and lots of conflicting media discussions, try and keep a focus on the moment. Mindfulness meditation is one way of bringing your mind back to the present moment.  

Bring things that are certain back into focus – whilst a lot of things are uncertain at the moment, there are also things to be hopeful about. Try to record and appreciate good things as they happen. Try and take opportunities to reset and relax. 

Talk to people you trust – it’s important to talk about how you feel. Don’t dismiss your concerns or judge yourself too harshly. You may also be able to find your tribe online, but try and get outside perspectives too. 

As my shield goes down, I choose to keep my armour on