Life during lockdown

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9736 Londoners have responded | 27/03/2020 - 09/06/2020

Coronavirus

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Your mental health during lockdown

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The coronavirus lockdown is having an impact on our mental and physical health: almost 49% of Brits say they’re feeling more anxious, 38% report a lack of sleep and 35% are eating more food or less healthily than before.   

It is so important that all Londoners take care of their mental wellbeing as well as their physical health over the challenging weeks and months ahead of us. Thrive LDN, the city-wide movement to ensure all Londoners have an equal opportunity to good mental health, is coordinating the public mental health response to COVID-19 in London with partners on behalf of Public Health England (London).   

This partnership approach, which includes City Hall, is supporting Londoners by amongst other things:   

  • supporting Good Thinking to develop and launch online apps and resources to support Londonersmental health    
  • setting up projects to tackle loneliness during COVID-19 in partnership with Campaign to End Loneliness 
  • working on ways of reaching and supporting people at a community level who are not online  
  • working with Mind in London and This is Me campaign to develop a mental health offer for voluntary and business sector; and with Cavendish Square Group to develop a workforce resilience programme  

How are you doing? How are you feeling at this time?   

What more do you think City Hall, the Government or other organisations could do to help ensure good mental health for all Londoners?   

What issues do you think the coronavirus crisis has raised for those already socially isolated or lonely?   

Once the crisis is over, how can we continue to support Londoners’ mental health and to prevent people from feeling lonely?    

Tell us in the discussion below.

The discussion ran from 20 April 2020 - 07 August 2020

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Comments (171)

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Can you please open the tennis courts? I can't think of any other sport that encourages social distancing as much as tennis does. Seriously, please open the courts up. No socials, just play. 

Also, running id the only thing that has kept...

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Can you please open the tennis courts? I can't think of any other sport that encourages social distancing as much as tennis does. Seriously, please open the courts up. No socials, just play. 

Also, running id the only thing that has kept me sane so far. Please do not take exercise away. 

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Can you please open swimming pools for people with injuries or disabilities? I have an injury and my recovery has been stagnating ever since I could no longer access swimming pool. When in the swimming pool, it's the only time during my day...

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Can you please open swimming pools for people with injuries or disabilities? I have an injury and my recovery has been stagnating ever since I could no longer access swimming pool. When in the swimming pool, it's the only time during my day i have next to no pain. I'm really struggling to cope with this. . I can't even see my physio in person because of this virus. The combination of the constant pain and stress is probably making things worse both physically and mentally for me and I'm worried it will become a lifelong problem. 

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Avatar for - Adelie penguin

I'm struggling. I'm an au pair so I am living with the family, still working but I have to do homeschool now. They are being really nice to me and try to help me as much as they can but I miss my own family. My plan was to find a job and a...

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I'm struggling. I'm an au pair so I am living with the family, still working but I have to do homeschool now. They are being really nice to me and try to help me as much as they can but I miss my own family. My plan was to find a job and a flat in September but as I work in retail, I'm not sure I'll be able to find a job anymore so I'm very scared about the future. I don't have that much time for myself anymore as I am with the children all the time. I can't see my boyfriend, my parents were supposed to come from France in April but obviously that was cancelled so I might not see them for a whole year. I struggle with anxiety, I've had panic attacks quite a lot recently, I have nightmares and I cry a lot. The only positive thing is that how I can save way more money now. I just wish I could at least see my boyfriend and have more emotional support.

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Avatar for - Colombian spotted frog

I'm loving being at home and being able to do self-care activities that I normally neglect. I get enough sleep, I cook and eat properly, I am able to have a refreshing morning routine and a calming night routine. I love not having to...

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I'm loving being at home and being able to do self-care activities that I normally neglect. I get enough sleep, I cook and eat properly, I am able to have a refreshing morning routine and a calming night routine. I love not having to commute or go through the stress of working days. I am able to go for walks and runs. I can catch up with a lot of people over video call. The downside is that I live with housemates who all keep to themselves, and I miss seeing in person  my friends, family, and boyfriend. I even miss the feeling of being productive and useful at work, and interacting with students (I teach in a school). I also miss being able to go to dance classes and rehearsals (I am a dancer in my spare time). If I lived with family I think I would highly enjoy the lockdown. 

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I am finding the abundance of wildflowers and plant covered ground which is flourishing (because of no mowing or poisoning happening) a real boost. There are so many species and all are important to pollinators, breeding birds, to our soil...

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I am finding the abundance of wildflowers and plant covered ground which is flourishing (because of no mowing or poisoning happening) a real boost. There are so many species and all are important to pollinators, breeding birds, to our soil, our clean air and overall healthy ecosystem. Believe it or not, plant covered ground (not balding, manicured lawns) is central to carbon sequestration and the right amounts of rainfall through transpiration. Long may it continue. It would be great if local children could get out onto council green spaces and learn about all the species there, their function and associated traditions. This is a lost part of our heritage and urban children lose out in particular. 

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Avatar for - Pangolin

So now someone suddenly cares about mental health. When there are people struggling with severe conditions like ptsd and pnd and not getting support for 5 years but now the world has cabin fever and everyone wants to offer support. Some of...

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So now someone suddenly cares about mental health. When there are people struggling with severe conditions like ptsd and pnd and not getting support for 5 years but now the world has cabin fever and everyone wants to offer support. Some of us in depression have been living like this (isolation) for years.

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Avatar for - Orangutan

I understand how your feeling, having suffered the same for 2 years. As someone who was also crazed with life and the speed of society, I always felt like I was neglecting my friends who were also suffering. Instead of resentment towards...

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I understand how your feeling, having suffered the same for 2 years. As someone who was also crazed with life and the speed of society, I always felt like I was neglecting my friends who were also suffering. Instead of resentment towards people reaching out to us for not doing it sooner, this is a great opportunity for us to accept a hand teaching out and reconnect with one another and try to not isolate ourselves further.

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Avatar for - Amur leopard

I'm in my twenties and I currently work on covid. I work 6-7 days a week, I live in a flat share but I don't know my other flatmates, they rotate so often plus often use/break my belongings so I don't want to interact with them much anyway...

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I'm in my twenties and I currently work on covid. I work 6-7 days a week, I live in a flat share but I don't know my other flatmates, they rotate so often plus often use/break my belongings so I don't want to interact with them much anyway. I have many friends and my boyfriend but due to lockdown I can't see them. I cry a lot, I can't sleep very well and have nightmares. Mainly about work and screwing up that work because of the responsibility I have to look after the patients that rely on me. It's just getting all a bit much. My boyfriend lives alone but because of how far he lives from my work I decided it'd be safer for both of us if I continued to live close to my work and have no commute so less risk of exposure. As I never see or interact with my flatmates or share items with them and he loves alone it would help me so much to see him on the day I don't have to work and be supported by him. Currently I just feel very alone. My family live far away and my parents are nearing their 70s so I'm not going to risk seeing them at all. This is a tough time for everyone, I understand that, I just wish I could human contact with one person though 

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Tesco Colney Hatch large supermarket, has one way system in all the supermarket aisles. There are big arrows stuck on the floor in all aisles to indicate which direction you are allowed to go in the aisle. Eg if you want a pint of milk in...

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Tesco Colney Hatch large supermarket, has one way system in all the supermarket aisles. There are big arrows stuck on the floor in all aisles to indicate which direction you are allowed to go in the aisle. Eg if you want a pint of milk in order to get it only allowed to go forwards not backwards down the aisle. as indicated by enormous arrows on floor

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Avatar for - Saola

As a young person overworked in "normal" times, I have never lived such a healthy day to day life. I still work more than 12hrs a day, but with no noisy office spaces, no take away food, no commuting, and have a much better relationship...

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As a young person overworked in "normal" times, I have never lived such a healthy day to day life. I still work more than 12hrs a day, but with no noisy office spaces, no take away food, no commuting, and have a much better relationship with my partner. While I cannot see my parents, I manage to talk to them much more often. Air quality has never been so good. Noise pollution from flights is down. I know other people situation is different and less lucky, but this lockdown really surfaced how unhealthy "normal" city life can be. What if employers let people working from home most of the days in the month, and rather increase pay because I occupy less space in the office? Why not to keep offices only for targeted meetings?

Ability to work from home would also make me much less anxious about becoming a mother in due course.

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Avatar for - Monarch butterfly

I'm quite enjoying the slower pace of life. I go out to do shopping once a week and get my neighbours weekly shop too. I spend most days gardening and cleaning the house which I never normally have time for. I always cook meals from scratch...

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I'm quite enjoying the slower pace of life. I go out to do shopping once a week and get my neighbours weekly shop too. I spend most days gardening and cleaning the house which I never normally have time for. I always cook meals from scratch but have been doing more baking. I keep myself quite busy. The only thing I really miss is my friends and family but we keep in touch through social media. Will actually feel sad when things go back to normal eventually as people seem more polite and more like it was in the 60s growing up

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Avatar for - Saola

I grew up in the 90s instead but love the slower pace of life! Let's keep it also when this is over. So that we can keep slower pace of life and social life together.

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I grew up in the 90s instead but love the slower pace of life! Let's keep it also when this is over. So that we can keep slower pace of life and social life together.

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Avatar for - Atlantic cod

The slower pace of life is definitely better it reminds me of in the 60s and 70s except of course we now have technology I miss my friends and family and I'm grateful we can use that to see each other but in terms of going back to rushing...

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The slower pace of life is definitely better it reminds me of in the 60s and 70s except of course we now have technology I miss my friends and family and I'm grateful we can use that to see each other but in terms of going back to rushing around and lots of crowds and Madness I don't want to go back to that and I'm considering moving out of London all together which would be another topic for this site maybe

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Avatar for - Rhino

I've been finding it a real struggle. I'm in a flatshare but not close to my flatmates. One of them is a key worker - although I'm proud of her & she's doing vital work, this has meant that my anxiety has increased dramatically & I feel...

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I've been finding it a real struggle. I'm in a flatshare but not close to my flatmates. One of them is a key worker - although I'm proud of her & she's doing vital work, this has meant that my anxiety has increased dramatically & I feel like shared areas are no longer safe. I'm now keeping some of my cutlery, crockery, tea towels, washing up sponges & some cooking equipment all in my room. I won't touch shared surfaces in the house without an anti bac wipe in my hand & am spending basically all of my time in my room alone. I'm relying more on takeaways & very quick, low prep convenience foods than I was before. I used to have health anxiety over 10 years ago, & that's reappeared with this situation, so I'm convinced that if I get the virus I'm going to die. I haven't had a hug in around 5 weeks now & I'm pretty lonely. I'm also autistic as well as having pre-existing mental health conditions, so the change in routine, lack of structure, huge amounts of sudden change, lack of in-person support which I rely on, etc. had made this really difficult for me. I've found that my self-harming has increased, as has my binge/emotional eating. I'm not utilising my daily exercise because it's too depressing & I'm fearful of going out, so am only doing so when I have to. I've also tried to stop smoking (not the best time, given the stress levels) because I'm worried that if I smoke then that will mean that when I (inevitably, in my head) get the virus then I'll definitely die. I'm scared I won't cope if I get ill. I'm fortunate as I've got a private therapist who I can still access via video sessions, & haven't been affected financially so far. I'm working from home full-time but finding it hard at times, especially without the support of my colleagues in person. The uncertainty of not knowing what's going to happen is also a challenge - for everyone, but even more as an autistic person.

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Avatar for - Pangolin

I'm relatively young in my mid30s, so while it's been 3 weeks since my diagnosis of having the virus, I am generally optimistic that I have beaten it even if  recovery is much slower than I am used to. 

That said, what has actually been...

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I'm relatively young in my mid30s, so while it's been 3 weeks since my diagnosis of having the virus, I am generally optimistic that I have beaten it even if  recovery is much slower than I am used to. 

That said, what has actually been taking a toll on my mental health is living alone in a studio flat with vacancies on both sides of me and no garden. Phone calls to my girlfriend and mates have been good but since they're all on the other side of the city it's been pretty isolating.

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Avatar for -

Loneliness, anxiety and depression are increasing as are people's stress levels. People need to see their partners or family members, as has been permitted in many other countries as basic care. Stress negatively impacts your immune system...

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Loneliness, anxiety and depression are increasing as are people's stress levels. People need to see their partners or family members, as has been permitted in many other countries as basic care. Stress negatively impacts your immune system - trust people to be adults and use common sense.

The govt line of 'test your relationship' is totally unreasonable and unrealistic, not everyone has 15 room houses that their partner or other family members can just move into. We need our loved ones close at this time for support and well-being. 

We must also have fresh air and exercise, staying cooped up indoors is extremely unhealthy both physically and mentally.

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Avatar for - Sumatran elephant

I feel more anxious and cry a lot I'm worried bout people dying and miss my grandkids they were the only cuddles I got 

my partner doesn't really show affection and doesn't understand my mental illness 

I get scared and panicky too. 

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I feel more anxious and cry a lot I'm worried bout people dying and miss my grandkids they were the only cuddles I got 

my partner doesn't really show affection and doesn't understand my mental illness 

I get scared and panicky too. 

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Avatar for - Rhino

I'm sorry to hear that. Not having hugs is so lonely. I've not had one in 5 weeks either and it's so hard.

Anxiety is also the worst, I'm sorry you're dealing with that as well. 

I'm sorry your partner doesn't show affection and isn't...

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I'm sorry to hear that. Not having hugs is so lonely. I've not had one in 5 weeks either and it's so hard.

Anxiety is also the worst, I'm sorry you're dealing with that as well. 

I'm sorry your partner doesn't show affection and isn't understanding of your mental illness, that must be really tough. Have you tried talking to them about it at all? 

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Avatar for - Saola

So sorry it's so hard. I was alone for a part of this, and I found it helpful to go for a walk outside (well covered). Even if you do not talk to people, seeing them from distance is still good for us humans. You could try super early...

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So sorry it's so hard. I was alone for a part of this, and I found it helpful to go for a walk outside (well covered). Even if you do not talk to people, seeing them from distance is still good for us humans. You could try super early morning when there's nobody. Also, focusing on creative activities made me really happy when I was alone.

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Avatar for - Koala

I am 70 and still working part time, luckily I am able to continue working online whilst staying at home. I have gained skills with programmes such as zoom and Skype but these are no substitute for human contact. I live alone with 2 dogs...

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I am 70 and still working part time, luckily I am able to continue working online whilst staying at home. I have gained skills with programmes such as zoom and Skype but these are no substitute for human contact. I live alone with 2 dogs who I exercise once a day.   During this crisis I question every possible symptom, ache and pain. The Government's incompetence, lack of transparency and capitalist  priorities imply my life has little value which makes me anxious. I fear that hospitals are no longer places of safety and care for my generation. I miss my friends and human contact and fear being in this same situation into next winter with reduced light and shorter days. 

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Avatar for - Ringed seal

We have our anxious pregnant daughter and husband living with us through the lockdown and my 99  year old mother lives far from London in a care home. I worry about all of it! Trying to stay positive for my daughter can be exhausting and 4...

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We have our anxious pregnant daughter and husband living with us through the lockdown and my 99  year old mother lives far from London in a care home. I worry about all of it! Trying to stay positive for my daughter can be exhausting and 4 adults cohabiting is not always easy. I miss seeing my mother and sister who lives near her. Every day is another day off my mother's life and the national concern about care home safety is a daily worry. Feelings of powerlessness can be overwhelming at times. 

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Avatar for - Leatherback sea turtle

Rosita

I think it would be really useful if publications from local councils/and/or online could give information on courses that could be undertaken while on lockdown. These could be free or low cost and be a mix of vocational/practical...

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Rosita

I think it would be really useful if publications from local councils/and/or online could give information on courses that could be undertaken while on lockdown. These could be free or low cost and be a mix of vocational/practical and/or theoretical. Examples could be courses that allow you to see if a career change is possible . guitar lessons, tutoring for meditation,tai chi/ yoga etc Encourage people to do one small thing a day, just to help with focus, staying calm  and thinking about something other than your immediate situation.

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Avatar for - Saola

The reduction in road noise has led to a significant increase of personal wellbeing. I particularly find mopeds/motorbikes disproportionately loud.  I wonder whether there should be legislation to enforce the use of electric versions - as...

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The reduction in road noise has led to a significant increase of personal wellbeing. I particularly find mopeds/motorbikes disproportionately loud.  I wonder whether there should be legislation to enforce the use of electric versions - as they have done in places like Shanghai - which will lead to far less noise and air pollution?

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Avatar for - Monarch butterfly

I and my partner are active and generally healthy life before this. We travel and visit cultural events etc at least once a week if we can. We have one grandchild and one on thecway5. We childcare. We have many friends.

Yet we as people in...

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I and my partner are active and generally healthy life before this. We travel and visit cultural events etc at least once a week if we can. We have one grandchild and one on thecway5. We childcare. We have many friends.

Yet we as people in their early 70's have to live with the threat that we de facto as old and frail and will be locked in until a vaccine comes in. We are losing precious active times by being grouped in with others older and iller than ourselves. Other countries and scientists look at different age groups. I can't tell the effect this is having on the mental health of tens of thousands seniors in the capital. We volunteer when we can..but we feel locked away and forgotten. We are very careful when we go out but very frightened as designated the most in danger. I cry everyday. 

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Avatar for - Leatherback sea turtle

Rosita

You are being shielded, not forgotten at all. Many people who have died were sadly only in their 20's,30's and 40's. I  have lost two cousins in the past three weeks and it has devastated the family and friends. Stay careful, the...

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Rosita

You are being shielded, not forgotten at all. Many people who have died were sadly only in their 20's,30's and 40's. I  have lost two cousins in the past three weeks and it has devastated the family and friends. Stay careful, the time at the moment seems long but once testing has become commonplace the Govt will have a clearer idea on how to relax certain rules. I am sure there will be a time when you feel safer outside, until then it is important to keep in touch with family and friends, and make plans for things you can do and join in at home.

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Avatar for - Atlantic cod

There is a building refurbishment going on right next to my block of flats, 208 flats, and the noise levels are horrendous and this has been going on the entire time we have been in lockdown. I cannot stress too highly how this is impacting...

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There is a building refurbishment going on right next to my block of flats, 208 flats, and the noise levels are horrendous and this has been going on the entire time we have been in lockdown. I cannot stress too highly how this is impacting on my mental health. I am being driven insane. There are concrete cutters, and metal cutting equipment etc going from 8-5 daily. I have contacted the council and been told "it's legal". I have begged the contractors to give me an estimate for completion of the work and been told they are complying with regulations. It is utterly inhuman to expect the residents of this block to live like this. There is no social distancing on the site either.

Having to keep the windows closed to minimise the noise as much as possible during the glorious weather we have been having is another important factor, no fresh air, and we don't have balconies for when the noise does stop at 5.

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