By Aimee Wilson
When the virus was first being talked about on social media, I honestly thought it was a joke because Corona is a popular drink among many of my friends and family! And now look at the world! I’m ashamed to say that I don’t think I started taking it seriously until things began closing and the supermarket shelves started to empty! In all honesty, I thought that people were just panicking for no reason and causing unnecessary drama.
Firstly, I don’t really pay much attention to current affairs; not because I’m ignorant. It’s just that I don’t see how worrying about something that either doesn’t concern me or that I can’t do anything about, is helpful to my mental health. Some people might think that makes me self-involved but feeling powerless is one of my triggering emotions and to hear of people starving and dying or their country being on fire, doesn’t help my safety and is there a whole lot of point in risking my safety for something I can’t change?
1. Your food shopping online
A lot of the biggest supermarkets in the UK; like Asda and Morrisons, allow you to do your grocery shopping on their website and then they’ll deliver it to your door! I think I’m going to end up doing this because my Support Worker is now unable to take me for my food shop and I get anxious doing it alone… but, of course, I still need the necessities!
2. Reading
There are a few sites making eBooks free at the moment in order to provide some form of entertainment for those who are self-isolating and a lot of libraries aren’t expecting their books back any time soon and won’t be implementing a fee for the delay. Also, if your local The Works is still open, they have a great choice of books that are 3 for £5 – absolute bargain!
3. Doing one random act of kindness per day
I’ve seen a lot of people on Twitter recently purchasing an item from someone’s Amazon wishlist and I thought that was a brilliant idea! You could also send a nice email or even just a thoughtful gif or quote! Companies are also offering discounts and freebies for healthcare workers.
4. Hitting your Netflix list!
You finally have the chance to watch all of the TV boxsets and movies that have been piling up in your Netflix watch list! It isn’t just entertainment but also a good method of escapism – even just for an hour or so – to be able to think about something other than what is going on in the world!
5. Communicating
Keep in touch with friends, family, and any necessary professionals such as support workers, carers, GP etc. My community mental health team and Richmond Fellowship are stopping personal contact sessions and appointments, and so all contact is via telephone but that still provides me with the opportunity to talk and get support.
My thoughts at the moment are with the healthcare staff, emergency services, the elderly, those who can’t afford to stock up or panic buy, and people whose mental health conditions are exacerbated by the entire pandemic.
About the Author
Aimee Wilson is a 29-year-old mental health blogger who has used her personal experiences to develop a popular online profile. Her blog I’m NOT Disordered has over half a million readers.
Aimee’s first book, When All Is Said & Typed, is available at Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, and in other regions.
Main photo by Lenin Estrada on Unsplash
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