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Given that most of us are currently self-isolating or socially distancing because of Covid-19, we may well have experienced feeling anxious, lonely, obsessive or depressed at some point in the last few months.

Many of us have strategies in place to manage these psychologically difficult times. But not everyone has the informed knowledge and awareness on how to deal with their mind and well-being. It is more important than ever to consider our mental as well as physical health.

Particularly for those of us living in a city when often we are having to deal with an environment or a living situation which is less than ideal. These environments can make it difficult to find refuge or have a time out from the stresses and anxieties that such a unique situation like this brings.

Background

Approximately 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health problem every year in the UK and in England, 1 in 6 report more common complains such as anxiety and depression on a weekly basis. The current Covid-19 pandemic is a rare situation and many people will experience stress, anxiety, and depression reactions.

The aim of this blog is to be a tool to help you minimise the reactions by increasing your knowledge of what to look out for with these psychological conditions.

We will also share how exercise and mindfulness in the form of Pilates, can help you reduce the psychological impact on your daily life.

It important to consider that anyone can be at risk even if you have never suffered from a mental health condition before. During this pandemic mental health problems can affect all of us, and potentially even more so for those who have suffered from a mental illness previously.

Anxiety from contracting the disease, the increased loneliness and isolation to flatten the curve and reduce spread. Added stress and low mood from the lifestyle changes, work life balance and financial implications can all worsen and trigger symptoms.

Symptoms

Knowledge on recognising the warning signs and symptoms and then acting on them is key to reducing the impact on ourselves, our family and our community during this global pandemic.

So here are the symptoms and how to recognise them.

Anxiety

A recently Chinese citizen survey found that approximately 42.6% of people experienced anxiety due to the corona virus pandemic. Being anxious about you or someone in your family getting sick, loss of income, and your risk of exposure just to a name a few.

The signs and symptoms of Anxiety include:

Physical

  • Racing heart rate
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Feeling agitated and distressed
  • Feeling shaky

Behavioural

  • Seeking lots of reassurance
  • Avoiding social situations
  • Outburst / Tantrums
  • Over thinking
  • Obsessive routine or play
  • Repetitive behaviour like rocking or stimming
  • Self-harm

Loneliness

Staying at home, social distancing and isolation are crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. This can obviously lead to the feeling of loneliness. Many studies have shown the adverse mental health and physical effects of loneliness and its potential for causing long term conditions such as depression and heat disease.

For example, a report published in 2010 found consistent evidence that social isolation has a negative impact on mental health, for example emotional support provided in social interactions can help ease the damaging effects of stress providing a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Furthermore, isolation was also associated with many physical medical conditions including worsening of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, repeated heat attacks, auto-immune disorders, cancer and delayed wound healing.

The signs and symptoms of Loneliness include:

  • Inability to connect with others on a deeper intimate level.
  • No close or best friends (someone who ‘gets you’).
  • Overwhelming feeling of isolation regardless of where you are or feeling alienated.
  • Negative feelings of self – doubt and self – worth.
  • When you try and reach out or connect it not reciprocated.
  • Exhaustion and burn when you try and engage socially

Obsessiveness

Given the focus on washing your hands and considering the ways in which the coronavirus can be contracted from person to person or surface to surface it is easy to become obsessive. Especially for those who already have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and suffer from contamination obsessions for example “unwanted intrusive worry that one is dirty and in need of washing, cleaning or sterilizing”.

The signs and symptoms of obsessiveness include:

Symptoms

  • Intrusive thoughts around passing the virus to loved ones or elderly people
  • Contamination fears leading to addition washing/cleaning
  • Harm related obsession such as; Have I been careless and does this mean I secretly want people to die?
  • Worries about not being able to exercise or mental for mental well-being if isolated

Trauma and Depression

Unfortunately, those who may have been recently quarantined may suffer from traumatic stress. During the SARS outbreak a survey in 2003 found approximately 23% of individuals suffered from traumatic stress.

Given that the progressive lockdown from Covid-19 here in the UK was fairly rapid and along the way individuals were self-quarantined we can see how this could be traumatic on our psyche. It is important to be aware of the link between a traumatic event and the depression that can be common following it. Many of us can start to feel low in mood, with passing states of lassitude, discouragement and sadness.

The signs and symptoms of depression include:

Psychological symptoms

  • Prolonged low mood or sadness
  • Feeling tearful
  • Feeling a lot of guilt
  • Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness
  • Feeling irritable or intolerant of others
  • Having no motivation or interest in things
  • Finding it difficult to make decisions
  • Not getting enjoyment out of life
  • Having suicidal or self-harming thoughts

Physical symptoms

  • Change in appetite and weight
  • Lack of energy
  • Moving more slowly than usual
  • Lack of energy
  • Loss of libido
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Changes in menstrual cycle
  • Neglecting hobbies
  • Avoiding contact with friends

How can we minimize these potential impacts on our daily lives?

Of course, there are many things we can do to help us minimize the impact on our daily lives these include but are not limited to;

  • Having a balanced diet
  • Reducing your alcohol intake
  • Smoking cessation
  • Helping others who are in need
  • Staying connected through Zoom/FaceTime to friends/family.
  • Distracting yourself with household chores
  • Free online courses
  • Watching movies
  • Limiting your news consumption
  • Writing a daily plan/routine

Mindfulness and Pilates

Incorporating Pilates into your daily routine where there are periods of mediation or breathing exercises can be greatly beneficial. This can help you calm your senses and control adrenaline (fight or flight responses) in stressful times.

The concentration and focus during the Pilates breath work will give you a positive feedback loop of mind-body connection so you can adjust accordingly to daily stresses. Over time helping you to become more autonomous in using logical based thoughts rather than becoming anxious or obsessed in a stressful given situation.

Pilates breathing exercises can also have a knock-on effect on reducing your heart and respiratory rate therefore limiting increases in blood pressure and boosting your overall sense of physical comfort, relaxation and wellbeing.

There are lots of free apps available which can help to keep you calm and clear your mind of troubles. For example, Headspace is especially helpful to practice mindfulness in order to think less or the future and worst case scenarios. The waking up app from Sam Harris is another good one that takes you through a 50 day introductory meditation course.

Pilates as a stay at home exercise

Many of us are working from home, and lots of our time is spent sitting and not moving around as much. Many of us may be trying to manage backache and added stiffness due to our new sedentary lifestyle and new office set ups.

Remember, normally we are so much more active, whether it be from daily your commute, dropping the kids off from school, climbing the stairs to the office or even walking out to get lunch, it all adds up.

Part of your daily plan could also include Pilates, an ideal form of exercise and you only need a small space for a mat or towel on the floor. Exercise has been shown to reduce the incidence of chronic depression by increasing serotonin production and therefore regulating an individual’s mood, sleep and appetite.

Pilates is known for improving your ability to control your body and become more posturally aware. Helping to improve your biomechanics and co-ordination between muscle groups gives you awareness in your movement around your home environment and helps you to adjust to prolonged periods of quarantine. This will make things easier and more comfortable for you in your day to day life around your home.

The practice of Pilates online is also a great way to become part of a community therefore giving a sense of belonging and making you to develop thoughts of loneliness. Studies have repeatedly shown that exercise to helps improve mood and reduce anxiety responses. Organised and structured exercises classes where you are led by an instructor are more likely to boost your mood if you’re unfamiliar or a beginner.

Reaching out for help

If your symptoms continue so that they start to affect your function and you can’t manage, then please consider seeking further professional help. If your situation is too difficult then don’t struggle in silence instead reach out, either by text, email or phone call.

Emergency Services (999)

If you or someone you live with is seriously injured, call 999.

Childline

Samaritans 

  • https://www.samaritans.org/
  • if you’re in distress and need support, you can ring Samaritans for free at any time of the day or night.
  • freephone (UK and Republic of Ireland): 116 123 (24 hours)
  • email: jo@samaritans.org

The Mix

  • www.themix.org.uk
  • if you’re under 25 you can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or on their webchat. You can also use their phone counselling service or get more information on support services you might need.
  • freephone: 0808 808 4994 (1pm – 11pm daily)

Women’s Aid

  • www.womensaid.org.uk
  • if you think you may be experiencing domestic abuse and you identify as a woman, you can talk to Women’s Aid for free and confidential support
  • email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
  • you can also chat to a support worker using their free instant messenger service, Mon-Fri (10am-12pm)

Citizen’s Advice

Mind

  • www.mind.org.uk
  • Infoline: 0300 123 3393
  • email: info@mind.org.uk
  • Text 86463
  • Our Infoline provides an information and signposting service. Mon-Fri (9am-6pm).

If you would like to try some today to help with both your mental and physical health then do get in touch on info@complete-pilates.co.uk or book your appointment online now.

Education is key:

These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.

If you are not sure whether this is for you, simply get in touch. We are here to help!
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