Di Fuller, Chair of Sid Valley Help and WHAT steering group, writes for the Herald

Not everyone is excited by the easing of lockdown.
I read in last weekend’s newspapers about the joy people felt about lockdown easing and being able to meet with people more freely, but recognising the anxiety that many feel.

We have become used to quieter lives so releasing some limitations still seems too fast. As we ease restrictions we hear news about the Indian variant and requests from some ministers and scientists that we should be more cautious.

Apparently more than a third of the UK are worried about restrictions easing and are not comfortable about meeting other people or going abroad. Researchers at Kings College London found that while 52% of the population are keen to get on with their lives, 14% are happier with their lives now. There are many people who feel anxious every day about returning to normal and choose not to do so at the current time.

We want to return to the people and things we love, but still feel worried as lockdown restrictions loosen. It is perfectly OK to feel that way. The Covid-19 outbreak has been hard for everyone and we have experienced it differently, especially those shielding. Even positive change can lead to anxiety, and takes time to readjust to things we have not done for a while. Feelings of post-lockdown anxiety are likely to pass with time as we get used to the "new normal" but it's important to do what we can to take care of our mental health. Don’t pressure yourself or others that feel uncertain about returning to normal.

Every Mind Matters supports good mental health and they have identified 11 tips to cope with anxiety about coming out of lockdown. More information including audio and video clips can be found by going to www.nhs.uk and searching for: ‘How to cope with anxiety about lockdown lifting - Every Mind Matters - NHS’.

  • Go at your own pace. Avoid lots of plans and saying yes to everything. Take it step by step, and only do what feels comfortable and safe for you.
  • Do not avoid things entirely. Try to set small but manageable targets like meeting one person for a coffee outside or getting a haircut and gradually build up from there.
  • Get your information from the right sources. Conflicting and confusing information about Covid-19 and the easing of restrictions makes it hard to know what you can and cannot do or who to trust. Use reliable sources like the NHS Covid-19 pages for up-to-date information.
  • Discuss any changes with others. Before meeting others, make sure everybody understands what feels comfortable. If you live with other people, talk to them about changes to restrictions as well.
  • Make time to relax. Being able to see more of our friends and family, and visit places that might have been closed until now, is exciting. But it's important to find time to relax.
  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts. It's natural to feel worried every now and again, but our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful.
  • Tell someone how you feel. Chances are that someone we know feels exactly how we do. Opening up to someone we trust can be helpful, whether a friend, family member or GP.
  • Plan social occasions. A "plan" can be as simple as knowing what time an event will start and finish, and how many people are likely to be there.
  • Find routine where you can. During lockdown, life changed for us all and we developed new routines. Some things can stay the same.
  • Write down your thoughts. If you're feeling worried or upset it can be helpful to explore your feelings by keeping a diary or journal.
  • Focus on the present. Make plans and don’t dwell on "what ifs". Relaxation, mindfulness or getting outside and enjoying nature are all good ways to help you focus on the present.