J'AIME APRIL 2020

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H E A LT H Facing crisis together COUNSELLOR ALYCE WILLIAMS TAKES A LOOK AT THE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT OF THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS SITUATION, AND OFFERS SOME TIMELY ADVICE ON LOOKING AFTER OURSELVES IN TIMES OF CRISIS There is no doubt about it; as a nation we are feeling the impact of the pandemic Coronavirus. There is an air of uncertainty in the air and this is leaving many of us all feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed and insecure. Feelings such as these are quite normal when something big like this happens; as humans we desire a certain amount of certainty to feel safe so when that safety feels at threat, we become anxious. In fact, uncertainty is a breeding ground for anxiety and when we feel anxious, we often want to feel more in control to create a sense of safety. This explains why people are panic-buying hundreds of loo rolls and all the pasta in the shops. The belief system around this is ‘I’m protecting myself by having all this stuff now I can feel safe’, however this is a false sense of security because it further down the line, the panic buying will create other problems, like the anxiety of a food shortage. So, trying to control the uncontrollable is futile and exhausting and often creates a cycle of anxiety, which is trickier to get out of. I think the truth now is we are all going to feel some level of anxiety over the coming days, weeks and months as big changes are in process and change is scary for everyone. It seems to me that the key is how we collectively respond to this to help look after our own and other people’s mental health. Being a counsellor and working in mental health I have spent some time reflecting on how I think we can all achieve this to a level and try to stay mentally and emotionally as fit as we can in such turbulent times. Here is what I have come up with somehow, and I really hope it is a help. Firstly, talk to people. Express how you feel and don’t think you are alone in those feelings; most of us, if 24
not all of us, are having a similar response. By talking about how you feel it lightens the burden and helps us realise we are not alone in our feelings, we are not so different from the next person. I think this is important, this creates a sense of ‘we are all in this together’ and I think that feels good. That leads me nicely onto self-isolation. Even the term is intimidating, and for many of us this is going to be our new reality. So how can we help others who are either faced with or currently in this situation? Stay in contact, call, write, email, set your Granny and Grandpa up on social media - anything that will alleviate feelings of loneliness, it is simple, and it is important. Humans are pack animals and we thrive off human contact. It’s a case of all hands-on deck here; we need to keep everyone linked to the outside world and other humans. High on my priority list next is exercising a little kindness. Kindness mostly costs nothing or very little at all, but it also carries us a long way. I encourage you all to get outside of yourselves and show some kindness. A few daffs out of your garden in a jam jar on the doorstep of your neighbour, dig out some old magazines and reading material and post them or drop them into someone in need, run errands for people, take them some cake when it’s safe. Kindness creates hope and hope helps sustain us during dark times. I am all over kindness! GET BACK TO NATURE, SAYS ALYCE ALYCE WILLIAMS IS A PERSON-CENTRED COUNSELLOR WITH CLINICS IN SHENSTONE, RUGELEY AND SWADLINCOTE Get creative. See this time as creative space to do the things your busy life does not always allow you to do. Paint, write, make music, bake, cook, get a jigsaw; this stuff is good for your soul and, in my eyes, feeding your soul helps keep you emotionally more balanced and centred. Good mental health relies on nurturing mind, body and soul so take this downtime and use it wisely. Finally, get back to nature. Whenever you can, get your feet on the earth; connecting to the earth keeps us feeling more grounded and relaxed so get in your garden and put your feet on the grass, plant some flowers or pull up the weeds. If you are able, take a walk and get some exercise. Nature stabilises us and the fresh air is rejuvenating so don’t underestimate its healing properties, particularly if you have been cooped up and unwell in doors for a period. So good luck all and try to keep in mind that sometimes out of crisis can come opportunity; stay hopeful in these dark times as they shall pass. Alyce Williams is a person-centred counsellor with clinics in Shenstone, Rugeley and Swadlincote, as well as offering telephone consultations. For more details visit www. alycewilliamscounselling.co.uk and to book an appointment call 07546 465652 or email alycewilliamscounselling52@gmail.com 25
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J'AIME APRIL 2020

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