Submission - Lockdown Stories (Mind) - Follow-up Review of Mental Health Services - 28th February 20

Lockdown Stories

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected our mental health and wellbeing in Jersey?

01534 880315  www.mindjersey.org Pip's Place

15 Union Street St Helier JE2 3RF

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

At the time of writing it is not yet known the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but from listening to peoples stories we know that in one way or another there will be a long tailback of change and loss for many people. For some people, lockdown was a time to find new interests and improve relationships but for others, change and uncertainty had a negative impact on their mental health.

To understand people's experiences during these uncertain times we conducted a piece of research exploring Islanders' experiences of mental health during lockdown. We wanted to hear stories from people at all ages and stages of life (our youngest respondent was eight and our eldest was 88) and from those with pre-existing mental health problems and those without. We hoped that we might learn from each other's stories as well as connect on a human level to other's experiences.

Stories have confirmed our belief at Mind Jersey that there is no health without mental health. But this crisis has also reminded us that health is dependent on emotional and financial safety nets. Prioritising mental health across all ages and stages of family life has always been important but going forward it must take centre stage in our Island wide recovery plan. Additionally, we all must do more to ensure Islanders are aware of what mental health services are available and how to access them.

Key themes from lockdown were about the importance of

Safety nets, Signposting and Swifts

With thanks to Emily Savva  Research Assistant at Mind Jersey

INTRODUCTION

To understand people's experiences of mental

health during lockdown we asked them to "Hope comes in

share their stories with us via letter, email, mit'asnsye efoinrgmms –y fmoer nmtael, phone and an online survey. We asked about health nurse walk up

the challenges they faced, what helped and the drive."

what advice they would give their pre-lockdown

self and the islandwide mental health services.

We were delighted that approximately 500

Islanders shared their stories with us at Mind "One way or another

Jersey. we have all been

confronted with our

powerlessness but

some have more 500

power than others."

"I should've

PEOPLE SHARED THEIR Z2o0o1m9 .i"n s"Tathvhaeendmktsihrteaocdlleoa ycokffdoonr wamtnue rI–e

invested in

LOCKDOWN STORIES  senvoewn-hfoaovet saugnrfeloawt beirgin

my tiny garden."

20% of respondents were men which indicates

that we need to continue to try new and "Walking by the sea innovative ways to encourage men to share kept me sane but I so their stories and reach out to mental health wished I had a friend

services when needed. or family member

walking with me."

We did not collect data on the ethnicity of respondents but the survey was available in Portuguese and Polish and we worked with the charity Caritas to increase links with black and minority ethnic communities in Jersey.

We hope these stories will help all service providers to put mental health at the heart of the islandwide recovery plan.

NEW BEGINNINGS

The pandemic and subsequent restrictions designed to prevent its spread affected different groups in different ways. Many Islanders enjoyed the slower pace of life that lockdown brought – the opportunity to spend more time with family and partners, to do some DIY or to explore Jersey's beautiful outdoor spaces through walking or cycling. Lockdown also gave some people time to work on their mental and physical health and to re-evaluate their life and what changes they want to make. Many storytellers also reported difficulties with their mental health at some point during lockdown often due to boredom, loneliness or concern for loved ones.

However, stories indicated that the negative impacts of the lockdown were distributed unevenly, with some groups more affected than others:

• People withpre-existing poor mental healthwho watched their services and coping mechanisms being cancelled or restricted.
  • Carerswho were expected to continue to provide care for their loved ones with limited assistance.
    • Families infinancially unstable situationsand living in small spaces were met with financial and emotional hardship.
      • Parents (especially women)struggled to find a balance between work andhomeschooling, often resulting in feelings of failure and guilt.

Stories from lockdown were about the importance of

Safety nets, Signposting and Swifts

"In lockdown, I was reminded that the world is full of wonderous things, I got the chance to really bear witness to what is around me and for the first time was able to listen to a swift with feet so tiny that they can barely land."

LIVING WITH "THE UNWELCOME VISITOR"

The lockdown had significant effects for Islanders with pre-existing mental ill- health, especially as lockdown restricted their access to mental health services, coping mechanisms and support networks.

Limited Services

Many mental health services were stopped during lockdown which left some service users feeling abandoned and helpless. Several storytellers questioned how it was possible to see a GP for physical health problems, whilst their mental health services were cancelled, leading them to question the commitment to equality across physical and mental health.

Additionally, while some mental health services did move to phone calls, not everyone felt comfortable on the phone as it can be hard to interpret the conversation without seeing facial expressions.

"A key feature of my diagnosis is fear of abandonment and I was left feeling very angry that this was not taken account of when services were cut so abruptly."

Coping Mechanisms Restricted

Islanders' usual coping mechanisms such as going to the gym or visiting friends were restricted by the lockdown, especially for those classed as physically vulnerable and required to stay home for longer. A storyteller with an eating disorder explained that when her favourite cafe closed it made food choices even harder.

Support Networks

During lockdown Islanders' lives went on – partners struggled with addiction, friends got life-threatening illnesses and parents died – but people were not able to easily access their support network of friends and family. This often meant that small issues got out of hand causing huge setbacks in an individual's mental health journey.

"I have experienced mild to moderate depression most of my life – an unwelcome visitor but I have learned that it is part of me and whilst I don't welcome it with open arms, I now know it will pass and I am learning what sustains me. I did not grasp until nearly too late the enormity of COVID-19 and my visitor was able to exploit the strange time we found ourselves."

Make a Donation We need your help to prevent a mental health crisis.

Contact us at admin@mindjersey.org.

THE CENTRALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS

COVID-19 restrictions meant extra pressure on families to care for their loved ones in recovery. However carers themselves struggled without their Carers' Support Groups and usual coping mechanisms – many missed simple joys such as having a cup of tea with a friend.

"My husband – Overdose, alcoholwithdrawal, depression, isolation "Carers need help too. and feeling trapped. Myself – lonely, as I had to face problems and They are often the

concerns by myself." unsung heroes as they are there for us long

after the services have Others highlighted that carers should be exempt from the rule of only

left."

one person per household in the supermarket as they cannot leave

their loved one at home by themselves. These experiences highlight

that more needs to be done to help carers if there is another lockdown.

"The one-way system in shops led me to walk out and walk back in again."

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY

Many Islanders faced financial difficulty as their employer did not qualify for the government assistance scheme or they were between jobs. They reported increased stress, anxiety and sometimes shame when they had to rely on charities for food. Many highlighted how financial security is the bedrock of all health and that without it, people do not have the headspace to work on their mental health.

"The problem isn't the lack of mental health support available, but more the economic conditions that put people in the position where they feel trapped with no future."

"Every penny I spent was high risk - the unexpected

could drown my family."

FAMILY LIFE STAGES

Young People

Young people (aged 16-25) stressed about work and university uncertainty and missed playing sports and seeing their friends. Some parents and young people highlighted that social media and video games helped them to stay connected with their friends, whilst others emphasised the need to limit screen time.

"It was difficult because all other adults in the households were working from home, including one sibling in my bedroom. I was the only one not working and so not contributing to society."

"Ido not adapt well Loneliness to change and Many Islanders who live alone found COVID-19 changed they became very dependant on friends everything."

and family reaching out to them through

video calling and messaging apps.

Weekends were an especially difficult

time for them as instead of their usual

busy social lives, they were left feeling

bored and lonely.

"Suffering from depression with no help and on your own, losing contact with the two people who take the time to visit me was soul-destroying."

"Every day, I went for a walk alone, knowing that when I got back home, I would eat alone and watch TV alone. I don't think anyone who doesn't live alone can quite understand."

"If there is another lockdown please ensure that those living alone always have access to other people."

about treatment and understand

your rights. Email us at admin@mindjersey.org.

CHILDBIRTH WAS EASIER THAN HOMESCHOOLING

Many families enjoyed the extra time together, especially those who lived in large houses with gardens, where there was space for multiple people to work, study and play.

However many families with school-age children and working parents struggled significantly during lockdown. Unfortunately, women still seem to be taking the brunt of childcare and almost all mothers felt overwhelmed trying to juggle work, homeschooling and checking on elderly parents. Stories told by women were filled with feelings of guilt, failure and exhaustion.

"Work are adding pressure for not keeping up, I feel like I'm failing as a parent trying to keep work going."

The lockdown also restricted new mothers' access to their support networks and caused them significant anxiety about giving birth and access to post-natal medical care.

"I struggled to accept that I was spending my maternity leave stuck in my house; no baby classes, playgroups, lunch dates, walks...nothing. I was worried my baby was missing out on socialising, playtime, getting fresh air etc. and I was devastated that my parents weren't able to bond with their first grandchild."

We had very limited responses from fathers (and men in general), this may be due to the difficulty men have in sharing their experiences or because of the methods used in this research.

Mind Jersey is here to help all people, no matter their circumstances. For free and confidential advice visit our website www.mindjersey.org.

WORKING FROM HOME OR LIVING AT WORK?

Working from Home Working as normal

Most respondents reported that they Those who continued to work during coped fine with working from home, but lockdown also suffered due to increased

a significant proportion reported feeling workload often resulting in stress and stressed due to increased working exhaustion. Many of these people also hours, lack of team communication and reported feeling lonely and isolated as they frustrations with technology. This meant could not meet non-work friends.

workers often felt the need to work

harder to prove they were working. "Work turned into a place where leaving

on time was impossible and being

"I felt I was the only one feeling the exhausted was normal."

pressure, it wasn't the case but it's

hard to gauge what others are feeling

over email."

Making Positive Mental Health a The responses we received indicate Priority in the Workplace

that the initial adjustment was hard but Many workers raised concerns that

that once workers learnt how to better although workplaces give the

manage their time and wellbeing, some impression they are interested in enjoyed working from home and found employees mental health, this is

it hard to return to the office. The often not the case in reality.

abrupt way in which lockdown rules

were enforced meant that often people "Training for supervisors is key but

also being aware that not everyone found it hard to adjust.

wants to open up to people they work with. I suggest someone independent comes in to speak to all staff, in complete confidence so people can talk freely about any issues."

Here at Mind Jersey, we hope that workplaces will continue to seek out training for their employees. For more information, visit www.mindjersey.org/training

RECOVERY RECOMMENDATIONS

As mental health service providers, we must not underestimate the threats that COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions caused to Islanders' wellbeing. Going forward the Island-wide services that support mental health must respond collectively with early intervention and prevention strategies. We often talk about putting service users at the heart of what we do, but lockdown has allowed us to pause, listen and begin to implement the change Islanders are asking for.

Another Lockdown

In the event of another Here are some recommendations from lockdown, a mental health plan

our storytellers: must be created to ensure mental

health services continue via phone calls, online services and

Provide a Roadmap face-to-face meetings.

Provide a road map of mental

health services across all ages Weekend and and stages of family life. This Evening Services should include how to access Stories told of a real need to open

support groups, volunteering some mental health services on opportunities, exercise classes weekends and evenings. and many other services.

Safety Nets

Reduce Stigma Emotional and financial security

is the foundation of mental Stories told revealed that stigma is still wellbeing. Ensure that individuals

preventing people from seeking help. We and families are supported need to continue to reduce the stigma through times of hardship. surrounding mental health by listening to

and supporting others with mental-ill health.

Physical Activity

Workplaces Ensure sports classes are

accessible to all by training Workplaces need to continue to take instructors appropriately.

mental health seriously by training staff in

mental health first aid (much like they do

for physical first aid). They also need to be more understanding of carers, parents and individuals for taking time off in a crisis.

WHAT WORKED?  

What advice would you give your pre-lockdown self?

 "It's important to notice when your mood is dropping and try to get the right support earlier on."

"Enjoy every day to its fullest, go for that swim,

do that run, meet your friend who wants a catch up rather than sitting at home and being lazy."

"Try to be

mindful, maintain

good habits and "Ask for help and not worry about don't bottle it up things I can't as it will only control."  overflow when

you least expect."

"Don't set too many challenges or feel you must

come out the other end speaking five languages and looking ten years younger – by just surviving you're a winner."

"Don't buy MWaekneeae dDyoonuart ihoenl p to continue to more than

provide mental health services in Jersey. one bottle of Visit our website at www.mindjersey.org. wine at a

time!"

WHERE WE ARE NOW

In the future, more research is needed to understand the factors influencing mental health on island including stories of inequality across all sections of our community.

Here at Mind Jersey, we will use

these findings to help shape the future of our mental health services and share these results with our colleagues in the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Thank you to all those who told their stories and to those who meant to but didn't get round to it! Keep talking to us.