COPING WITH SOCIAL ISOLATION AND HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP

We are currently living in very strange times. Life as we know it has changed. Our freedom has been taken away, many of the things that we used to do without thinking we now can’t do.

Listed below are some strategies which may help you to cope with social isolation at this time.

• Keep to a routine. Get up at the same time each day and go to bed at the same time each night.
• Include some exercise each day. There are so many different things you can do. Online classes, walking, cycling or running are all options. Dance round your house, make up your own circuit training course. The possibilities are endless if you have some imagination.
• Keep in touch with friends and family. There are so many ways in which you can do this – telephone, video calling, online platforms such as Zoom. It can be easy to shut yourself away when you feel down, but if you talk to someone you are more likely to feel better.
• Limit your time on social media and watching the news – it is only likely to bring you down. If you do look on social media find some positive stories and positive messages.
• If you are isolating with your family then make sure you have time together to do fun things – games, film night etc. But also know that it is OK to have time on your own. Everyone needs their own space – and this must be respected. Trust me, it will cut down on the rows that could otherwise flare up.

But what do you do if these ideas are not working or you feel that you need more support. For many people this is an emotionally challenging time. There could be fears around what the future will be like. Fears around getting Covid-19 – fears for yourself and your friends and family. The anxiety of having to leave the house for essential shopping. The stress of being stuck indoors with nothing to do.

Counselling can help you cope with these fears and anxieties. Counselling will give you the space to address these issues in a confidential and non-judgemental space. Right now, I can’t offer face to face counselling but I can offer counselling via telephone or online. Both of these are just as effective as my usual face to face sessions. All you need to do is to be able to find a quiet space where you can talk to me without being interrupted.
Please, don’t suffer when there is support out there that could make a big difference to you.

Sessions are available so please contact me to book a session or to find out more about how counselling can help at this time.