According to the health experts, we're more anxious, more depressed, more lonely, more frustrated. We no longer know how to relate to other people or have a routine conversation. Once the lockdowns are over, we'll struggle to relearn our social skills and get back to normality.
Well, I think they're laying it on a bit thick. I don't see much sign of psychological turmoil among my friends or neighbours. Or among my blogmates and Facebook pals. People seem to be a lot more resilient and adaptable than the experts make out, and coping with the unusual situation very well.
I had a long conversation with a friend outside Tesco on Monday, and we had no problem with conversation. We were chatting away happily for some twenty minutes. There was no sign that either of us was unduly anxious, depressed or otherwise psychologically clobbered.
The children going to and from the local schools seem to be as happy and boisterous as always. I don't see anyone trailing along looking miserable and listless.
Maybe I just move in the wrong circles. Maybe in some milieu unknown to me people are quivering wrecks, incapable of acting normally and desperately in need of help. But if so, I haven't come across them.
Of course the lockdowns are causing financial problems, medical problems, schooling problems, travel problems. But serious psychological problems? I suspect that's much less common than the experts would have us believe.
But hey, the media have to find something sensational to write about, and there's still plenty of mileage in covid meltdown.
Normally, I do think that the media sensationalizes everything, but there really has been a lot of mental health issues as a result of lockdown. People who were already lonely or depressed have been pushed too far. And I definitely think the loss of socialization for children is going to leave a lasting effect. I’m probably in the minority, but I think it was a very bad idea for schools to be shutdown for so long.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: Well, there you are, I guess you know a few people who've had mental health issues because of the lockdowns. A lot of Brits were unhappy the schools were closed for so long.
DeleteI completely disagree with you there Nick. Mental health has been precarious for many. And children are profoundly affected, two of whom I personally know were admitted to the crowded mental health wards in the children's hospital. Rates of adult suicides and domestic violence have soared. Addictions have peaked - so many young people I have witnessed and who also have anecdotal evidence of others in their peer groups.
ReplyDeleteMentally, I myself notice changes in speech patterns and levels of anxiety about my family I've never had before.
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www: I can't argue with that, you've obviously come across a load of problems I haven't personally experienced. I was certainly aware that domestic violence has increased during the lockdowns.
DeleteI agree with Bijoux and Wisewebwoman. This year of departure from the norms we previously knew has had an adverse impact on mental health for many and, while it hasn't affected us since aren't social butterflies, we've seen the impacts.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you, to a point. Most who we interact with are quite resilient and adaptable and seem little impacted psychologically.
For some, the key word is "seem." Many people know how to put on a good public face.
I don't think the media is over-hyping this any more than anything else.
DeleteMike: I did wonder how many people are hiding mental health issues they're embarrassed about. Despite all the celebs confessing to mental struggles, there's still something of a stigma about confessing to such things.
DeleteClearly I'm in some sort of social backwater here, oblivious to the problems others are coping with. The comments so far are enlightening.
ReplyDeleteI've begun to think of myself as dormant. This has not been the season for growth but it appears to be coming again.
ReplyDeleteLinda: Dormant is a good way of describing our lives under the pandemic. Yes, hopefully we can soon start growing again.
DeleteI’ve been thriving, but I believe the media I read on this one.
ReplyDeleteJean: I still find it hard to believe there's a quasi-epidemic of mental health problems out there, but if that's what everyone else is saying....
DeleteI don't know of any memtal health epidemic in my own circles, but don't doubt that loneliness has hit elderly people hard and that domestic abusers are having a field day.
ReplyDeleteFly: Yes, it does look as if domestic abuse and loneliness have markedly increased during the lockdowns.
DeleteI am quite normal as I was in a kind of self imposed lockdown anyway, well before the outbreak and I am in no different situation now. So are most of my friends of around my age. Social media and inexpensive telephone calls keeps relationships going and moral support given / received. Despite all these however, I know of at least three friends who are depressed and undergoing psychiatric treatment after I advised them to giving my own example of depression and treatment six years ago.
ReplyDeleteOne noticeable feature in the lockdowns is the undeniable fact that people with pets at home seem to fare better than those without.
Ramana: Sorry to hear about your friends. I hear that a relative of Jenny's, normally quite outgoing and sociable, is also taking antidepressants due to the lockdown restrictions.
DeleteAn intriguing comment about people with pets.
This has benefitted me in that I have felt pulled into trying to meet the needs of several family members. It has reduced the need to haul them to stores to shop for items they may or may not need.
ReplyDeleteSome are much more isolated and suffering from lack of interaction with people. I knew of an elderly couple who went to a nail salon several days a week for pedicures. They didn't need them done. The staff felt awkward and gave them a reduced rate. The husband just loved talking to all the customers. I know he would have suffered with having to avoid going out.
I think some suffer from anxiety about the effects of Covid on the economy, etc. Plus we have had some crazy politics all over the world which could threaten people's sense of security especially if they buy into some of the Q mess, et al.
I should have done a blog post. lol
Ann: It's sad about the elderly couple who went to a nail salon simply to have some company and conversation. As for the crazy politics, I think the QAnon cult and all the right-wing extremism in the States is probably more scary than the fear of getting covid. And yes, you should have done a blog post!
DeleteIt is fearsome. It is like the United States can never be moderate. Then add to lunacy and manipulation of the Q cult. It is a problem which revolves around money. The extreme politicians raise a lot of money.
DeleteAnn: In the UK we now have a very right-wing, authoritarian, elitist government that is happy to preside over increasing inequality, deprivation and poverty. The opposition is making little headway against the government's 80-seat majority.
DeleteI think my problems may begin when we have to start socialising again.
ReplyDeleteLiz: I thought you were socialising quite a lot already, but I guess that's just been the bare minimum.
DeleteI don't know about all that but I know that some people who like to go out and be around others are having a hard time. I'm an introvert and don't like going out and being around people so this lock down really didn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteMary: Yes, I think a lot of extroverts who are used to frequent socialising are feeling very deprived right now. Introverts like you and me are finding it much easier.
DeleteThis post and the ensuing comments were interesting, Nick. I do agree there has been an over abundance of media hype surrounding this pandemic and its long term effects,, economic, social, medical, etc. personally speaking, my husband and myself have been ok as we are used to “me and us” time and able to function independently. That said, we have missed social contact and I have compromised by more phone calls, letters, and cards to those who are less able to get out and about, which thankfully we have continued to do. We have done our own grocery shopping throughout and know many who have not and continue not to do so. We comply with mask wearing in public places, as required, but not outdoors and heavens not in our cars.
ReplyDeleteFear of the unknown may be perpetuating the climate in many cases.
Beatrice: I think the prevalence of long covid (long-lasting and devastating symptoms) is more worrying than possible mental problems. We have also done our own grocery shopping all along. I think a lot of the fuss is not only due to fear of the unknown but also simple inability to adjust to some annoying but temporary restrictions on our everyday lives.
DeleteI haven't experienced or seen in others of all ages the mental health issues i read and hear about in the media. Frankly, I don't know what to think since official statistics seem to bear out what is being reported. I sometimes wonder if so much focus can stimulate concerns in some that become like a self-fulling prophecy.
ReplyDeleteJoared: Yes, I think there might be an element of self-fulfilling prophecy, when we're being told over and over that mental disorders are going to be much more common.
DeleteI meant to add, that there are individuals who are very other people dependent, less able to be content for any periods of time with only themselves. No doubt this pandemic has been difficult for them. Those who have had experiences of being alone at any age and adjusted probably have had less difficulty coping — doesn't necessarily mean they are less people oriented. They just recognize the situation and accept this is how its best to be for now, so why waste energy fretting about it.
ReplyDeleteJoared: Natural extroverts must be finding the lockdowns very frustrating and disheartening. Introverts like me and Jenny aren't so bothered, as we're both retired and used to amusing ourselves at home.
DeleteI can tell you as a psychologist I am definitely seeing more anxiety and depression as a direct result of the pandemic. I don't think this time the media is out of line.
ReplyDeleteAgent: Well, I can't argue with that, you're the one people are coming to with mental problems.
DeleteI do have a relative in her thirties who has gone into meltdown over it all, although her partner has health problems, so I get it - but at one point she wouldn't go out in her own garden.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile - I live in a remote area, so not much difference.
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Ms Scarlet: Not going out in your own garden is ridiculous! I've been out for a walk just about every day since the first lockdown. I've lived to tell the tale.
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