In the heart of spring, we are reminded of the simplistic beauty of nature. Wilted flowers are brought back to life and skies turn from grey to blue. Yet, as mother nature shows her true colours, our lives seem to be confined and colourless. At least, that is the opinion of many.

Social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine, coronavirus, COVID-19, these are some of the terms the media and the government has bombarded us throughout 2020. In these unprecedented times, uncertainty and distress is heightened. Healthcare professionals are on the front lines risking their own health and the health of those dear to them, while economists are predicting a repeat of the 2008 stock market crash, or worse. Consequently, when the UK government announced a lockdown on March 23rd, 2020, my concerns resonated with the NHS and the state of our economy. However, as someone with a neuroscience background and a passion for mental health, I was also concerned about the effects of the lockdown, with respect to our mental well-being.

Homes quickly become a prison as the days go by; many will soon feel the walls of their houses closing in. Past alcohol and drug abusers may be inclined to pick up some of their old habits, while patients struggling with depression and anxiety may worsen without their normal check-ups and routines. Indeed, our mental health is at risk of being compromised throughout these distressing times. While many believe that this is a never-ending situation, certain countries such as South Korea and China have overcome their lockdown and are returning to their normal routines. We are no exception; this will end and life will slowly return back to normal. To those who require support, please refer to the NHS link found at the end of this article. On their webpage, you will find all of the necessary resources that can aid you in your time of need. Whether it’s mental health, abuse, family or welfare support, there are governmental services and people willing to come to your aid. Please reach out; a helping hand is never too far.  

For others, this quarantine has challenged us to create and adapt to a new wave of socialising. Virtual hangouts and zoom calls are ubiquitous in every  household on a Friday night. Similarly, online dating has also kept up with the pace of this change. As if dating wasn’t already a difficult endeavour for some of us, this lockdown was thought to make things worse. Do not give up hope just yet because dating apps have creatively integrated “virtual dating” into their arsenal, making it easier for users to get to know each other. In fact, popular dating apps such as Tinder and Hinge have demonstrated that more than half of their users are more than willing to try it. From what I hear from friends, it’s actually more fun than normal dating. So, there is still some hope for some of us to find love!

Meanwhile, Zoom conference calls have allowed us to maintain our weekend clubbing rituals. Having pre-drinks at 8, while setting the club scene for midnight establishes some kind of normalcy. Music, lights, drinks, and friends are all that we need to dance the night away. It is the experience of a night-out with the best bits and without the hindrances of a sticky floor and expensive drinks. For those who prefer a something a gear lower, virtual pub quizzes are always a success; quiet night at home with your favourite beverage and some friendly competition goes a long way.

Rekindling friendships, spending time with family, working on hobbies and yourself, can all be achieved throughout this quarantine. During a crisis, we begin to realise who matters most to us and can prioritise what we truly value, and it is those things that we must salvage and keep hold of. Together, we will get out of this mess and look back at these times as moments of reflection, meditation, and – above all – kindness.

Some useful links