Do you have the Post COVID Funk?
Why do our brains make us want what we can’t have? Today is my Day 5 of COVID isolation and I keep needing to remember I’m lucky, as my symptoms have settled, but I just want to be set free. I live on my own and am cool with my own company, but I also love my work, and taking my dog for a walk, and going to shops, and chatting to people face to face. It’s the normal things we miss, but even more so when we get told we aren’t allowed to do them, and the rest of the world keeps turning without us. There’s a feeling of distance that can stay with us, even after the isolation period finishes.
When I read other people’s experiences and chat to clients there’s a common thread of feeling a bit off. Is it ‘long COVID’ or something more human than that? There are lots of help lists for how to survive COVID- drink water, eat healthy, rest, exercise, take medication…and they are all great things….but what about feeling good deep down to our toes.
My two cents worth is this- try to shift your headspace. What am I grateful for? Who can I help-out with a call or message? Focus on what I can do, not what is limited. Make a to do list to give direction. Smile, just cos you can and if it gets too tough ask for help. This might be the hardest part, especially if “I’m Fine” is your default. It’s a positive feeling to both give and receive assistance. You’d help them if situations were reversed. There are many help lines if you’d rather being anonymous. If you feel out of control, reaching out may be tough but it’s the first step and remember, what you are feeling is normal and many of us are battling the same thing behind these 4 walls.
Beyond Blue have launched the Cornavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Simply call 1800 512 348 to speak with a trained mental health professional 24/7