COVID-19 is affecting us all. There have been big changes to our usual ways of working, socialising and completing daily tasks. Lockdown, social distancing and shielding measures have significantly impacted on who we can meet, where we can go, what we can do and when.
We know that for many people, February 2020 onwards, has been an incredibly difficult time.
Stress, worry and anxiety about what has been happening, what might happen and general uncertainty about the future, have had a significant impact on emotional wellbeing. Problems with sleep, appetite and weight, general mood and the capacity to enjoy ordinarily pleasurable activities have been commonly reported. Worries about one’s own health, including staying healthy or recovering from COVID-19 and associated health problems, have become more prominent. Worries about the health of others – especially those who are more vulnerable, or who we are unable to visit – have also been on many people’s minds. Some people have experienced traumatic and highly distressing events, such as in relation to dealing with COVID-19 symptoms at home or hospital, or being bereaved without having a chance to say goodbye to loved ones.
Family members of people who require support, have also been placed in uniquely challenging positions, due to temporary closures of health and social care services and a move to remote working.
How we can help
We offer a range of evidence-based psychological interventions that address worry, anxiety, difficulties tolerating uncertainty, low mood, and adjustment to long-term conditions. These interventions are also designed to improve emotional wellbeing.
We use a formulation-based approach; this means we would discuss together the different factors that contribute to current difficulties in the here and now, alongside factors that might increase vulnerability for finding the pandemic and resultant measures particularly difficult. Based on this, and your goals, we would identify individualised strategies and techniques to target symptoms.
We are also considering running some groups, online, focusing on enhancing emotional wellbeing during COVID-19. If you are a family member of young people or adults who have autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities, and you think this might be useful for you, you are very welcome to get in contact.