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WARNING: This article discusses isolation, stress, anxiety and depression which may be a trigger for some readers.
Mental health has always been a sensitive subject to discuss, regardless of the context. In saying that though, I feel it’s crucial for us to be having open discussions about it, especially at this time now that we’re in Stage 4 restrictions / isolation. So let’s look at mental health and isolation.
We should be taking this time to be more honest with ourselves and those around us and talk about what we’re feeling and experiencing. This should be the time to get everything out; lift some of that weight off your shoulders; because I can assure you that you’re not the only one feeling that way.
Originally I had intended to write this article specifically in the context about mental health awareness and small business owners. I had planned it as a topic, and set to work on creating the accompanying graphics. However as I sat down to write, it didn’t sit comfortably with me.
Upon further reflection, I realised that it would have seemed insensitive to everybody outside that demographic (of small business owners), when I, personally, know all too well that mental health conditions can affect any person whatsoever, regardless of any employment type they may or may not have.
This is why I chose to write about mental health and isolation, because this is a situation that is having a significant impact on more and more people each day.
I had also planned to write an article discussing my own mental health struggles during isolation, but have decided to shelve it for now, because it’s a situation that is constantly evolving and changing on a daily basis. What I write about today, may not reflect how I’m feeling tomorrow, so instead will revisit it once lockdown restrictions ease.
THE IMPACT OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
Since March, 2020, we’ve been dealing with all kinds of restrictions, lockdowns and isolations.
People were forced to work from home. Everybody was confined to their homes.
Business closed. Schools closed.
There was panic buying of toilet paper and cleaning products. It led to a national shortage, in which some selfish individuals saw it as an opportunity for cashing in on their own greed. At one point, toilet paper was reportedly seen on online auction sites for thousands of dollars per packet.
People have blatantly disregarded the advice and recommendations of health officials and Government leadership. They either don’t believe that there is an actual pandemic sweeping the entire globe, or they feel selfish and entitled enough to consider lockdown and local restrictions as an infringement on their human rights.
*facepalm*
THE CURRENT SITUATION
At the time of writing, Melbourne has been placed into another 6-week lockdown period. Stage 4 restrictions have been imposed, as well as a State of Emergency for the state of Victoria. Nightly curfews are also now enforced from 8pm to 5am.
We have witnessed a week of record numbers of positive cases, with the highest recorded number of 723 confirmed within a 24hr period. We’re currently experiencing very concerning triple-digit numbers on a daily basis.
Schools are closing. Industry is going to be taking a significant downturn, meaning more people will now work from home. Schools will close from Wednesday. Residents can now only travel a maximum of 5km from their homes, and limit exercise to an hour outside the house. Wearing a mask outside the house is now compulsory. Then of course there’s the situation of the ‘Karens’ out there believing the law doesn’t apply to them.
I’m not here to get into a debate on whether the pandemic is real or not.
I’m not here to get into a debate on wearing masks.
I am here to talk about what’s happening behind the scenes, and how it’s impacting people’s mental health.
In Part 2, we will look at more of the impact that isolation is having…