The past 12 months sure have been hard for a lot of people. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted millions of people across the globe in many different ways: some have lost loved ones while others have suffered great financial losses. And in times of uncertainty – like when a strict three-day lockdown can be enforced at the drop of a hat – it’s normal to feel scared, anxious, stressed and even overwhelmed by the changes.
Leading pharmacist Andrew Leslie from Blooms The Chemist has helped a lot of Aussies with their mental health in the past year, but there’s one particular condition that keeps popping up in his patients: “lockdown loss syndrome”. While it’s not an official medical diagnosis or term, the team at Blooms The Chemist came up with the unofficial name after they noticed a handful of customers seeking help for similar problems.
“After a long year of uncertainty and many dramatic life changes, there’s no question that people’s mental health has been impacted,” Leslie tells Starts at 60. “It would seem that the combination of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns might have been the world’s biggest psychological experiment to date.”
According to Leslie, the unofficial condition is a result of strict lockdowns, cancelled plans and a lack of social interactions. While lockdown loss syndrome can look very different from person to person, he says that most experience fatigue, anxiety, depression, a lack of interest or excitement for the future and continual feelings of worry or fear. Sleep and memory may also be affected. “It can also make you more prone to tears or mood swings,” Leslie says, adding that in worst-case scenarios some people may even turn to stimulants such as alcohol.
If you suspect you may have one or more of the symptoms above, or are simply struggling to adjust to the “new normal”, Leslie recommends reaching out for support. This can mean making a quick trip down to your local pharmacy, chatting with a close friend or family member or calling a support service such as Lifeline (see below).
“Talking about how you’re feeling is a powerful way to take control of your mental health,” he says. “Pharmacists are always there to give you tailored confidential health advice, including support with emotional struggles, and sharing tips for how to help combat the impact of Covid-19.”
Beyond Blue
If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, Beyond Blue has a wide range of resources available, including online forums where you can talk to people who are experiencing similar things. To speak to someone directly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, phone 1300 22 4636, or visit the Beyond Blue website to chat to a professional online.
Lifeline
Lifeline is also available if you need it. You can phone their hotline on 13 11 14 and speak to a compassionate support worker 24/7. If you’d prefer not to talk directly with someone, you can use the feature Lifeline Text, which gives you the option to text with a support worker from 12pm until midnight, or you can use Lifeline Chat to ‘web chat’ with someone from Lifeline on their website from 7pm – midnight.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.