Linda BLAIR
Estimating someone’s anxiety level is difficult. We each have our own opinion about what constitutes severe, moderate or mild anxiety.
Even so, no one would dispute this has been an exceptional year. According to an ONS survey that regularly asks participants to estimate their anxiety on a scale of 0-10, the average rating in 2019 was 2.97. At the beginning of lockdown, this figure rose to 5.18, then declined slightly as we adjusted to the extraordinary changes.
Now however, since the easing of restrictions, anxiety is climbing again. In a Snap Yougov poll at the end of June, 48 per cent of the 1,626 respondents thought the easing of lockdown had gone too far; and support for opening pubs, restaurants and other venues had fallen noticeably. What’s going on?
There are, I believe, three contributing factors. First, we’re all exhausted, and find it hard to summon the energy to adjust to yet more changes. Secondly, there are new concerns. For example, how can we know how safe we are if, as new findings show, the virus is often transmitted by “silent spreaders”?
And thirdly, many people feel mounting social pressure to resume “normal” life. Here are some suggestions to help you combat these stressors:
1. Remember the basic rules The guidelines for staying well haven’t changed and they’re still effective. Prioritise rest; wash your hands thoroughly and often; avoid touching your face; wear a mask when you’re with others you don’t live with and keep two metres apart from them; and avoid crowds.
2. Revisit your lockdown resolves Think back to the early days of lockdown, when you may have re-evaluated your entire approach to life. Remember the promises you made about what you’d do differently – eat more healthily, exercise more, learn a new skill, contact friends more often. Those are still important, and making time for them, rather than forcing yourself to fill your time exactly as you did before, is an opportunity not to be missed.
3. Listen to your self-talk Are you telling yourself you “should” get out more? “Should” is not a good reason; it suggests you’re trying to please someone other than yourself. Do more of what you’d “love” to do, and do it at your own pace.
4. Know your worry type Do you worry about almost anything? Or are your worries more specific and do they centre on possible dangers to yourself? Or do you worry most about what others think of you? If you’re the first type, take time every day to relax, and practise mindfulness or meditation. If the second, ask a trusted friend to help you evaluate your worries realistically and map out small steps that allow you to overcome those worries. If you’re the third, limit news consumption and time on social media, and spend more time – safely – with good friends.