Covid-19 Coronavirus
Advice and resources during this uncertain time.
As you’ll be very aware by now, the Covid-19 Coronavirus is now a pandemic and I’m writing this on 25 March 2020 – the second day of lockdown in the UK.
The limitations placed on everyone are difficult for most and extremely lonely and worrying for many. These are scary times, as we watch the news and hear of what’s happening in China, Italy, Spain and beyond, and being told we’re only a few weeks behind them.
As you would expect, an atmosphere of anxiety is palpable across the country as people are worried about their elderly and physically vulnerable loved ones, the shops are struggling to re-stock the shelves because of panic-buying, the benefits system is swamped with applications for Universal Credit, businesses small and large are worried about their futures and longed-for events that have been looked forward to for a while such as weddings, baptisms, parties and holidays are all cancelled.
But the effect of the lockdown doesn’t stop there, as I reflect on the blogs I’ve written recently such as family issues, relationships, domestic violence, and various forms of abuse (see my blogs here: www.bethanythorntoncounselling.co.uk/news.html). As people have to stay at home it isn’t all a picture of happy families spending lots of lovely quality time together – for many it’s a real struggle to cope being forced to spend even more time in difficult environments and/or abusive relationships. Therefore, at this time it can be even more important to reach out for support and guidance.
With all the different information circling around social media, newspapers, TV etc. it can be hard to know what or who to believe to get the truth and the right advice, so my recommendation is to focus on the authoritative places such as the NHS www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/, and BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, of which I’m an Accredited Member, have written some excellent articles with tips and advice specifically on how to cope during the Coronavirus, including managing anxiety, working from home, self-isolating and managing wellbeing and self-care: www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-for-the-public/
And here are some useful phone numbers and websites for organisations that can help:
Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk/
Samaritans: 116 123 (or email jo@samaritans.org) www.samaritans.org/
Domestic Violence Hotline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Mind: 0300 123 3393 www.mind.org.uk/
Age UK: 0800 678 1602 www.ageuk.org.uk/
La Leche League (for mums struggling to get formula milk): www.laleche.org.uk/call/ – to find the nearest advisor in your area, www.laleche.org.uk/
Due to the social distancing, I’m currently offering sessions via telephone or online (Skype or WhatsApp) so if you’d like a counselling session at this time, feel free to contact me. Please take good care of yourself, and I wish you all the best.