"We Are All in the Same Boat!"

As we start to adjust, adapt and come out of lockdown our physical health might be less of a threat but we may have concerns around our Mental Health and the Mental Health of others.

The impact of Covid19 on our Mental Health is likely to have been building up during each lockdown and as we start to return to meeting others, returning to work, school or college and commuting again, we may notice the impact that Covid19 has had on Mental Health.

One thing that I have heard people say a lot during this pandemic is

"we are all in the same boat!"

I know this is meant with all good intentions in mind, to reassure others and to let them know that they are not alone.

The reality is that this is not the case, we have all experienced the same storm but the boats we have been in will be very different, because our experiences of the pandemic will be individual and how it has impacted on us will be unique to us.

Some might be a raft and I'm desperately clinging on.

Others maybe in a lifeboat with a life jacket and all the support they need.

For some lockdown has been enjoyable, an opportunity to reconnect, pause, reflect, enjoy family time.

For others a family crisis, endless loneliness money or job worries and insecurities.

Some have been enjoying home schooling their children, others juggling their child's education and trying to work from home.

Some have experienced loss, illness and feeling vulnerable while others wonder what all the fuss is about!

So our boats will be very different and it is important to be mindful of this. Being empathic, supportive really asking and listening non judgementally.

We may not know what others have had to deal with or are still dealing with and by saying "we are all in the same boat" shuts the conversation down and is a missed opportunity to help and support someone, build a relationship and make a difference to someone.

Instead asking questions like "what's going on for you right now?" "how has COVID19 impacted on you?" "tell me about what's going on in your boat?" or a simple "how are you?" and really listening to the response.

Asking the right questions is only one part being able to actively listening is the other.

Listening to what is being said, the tone, the words, reading body language and asking more questions to really understand.

Also listening to what's NOT being said and picking up on the emotions.

Lets come out of this storm with a better understanding of each other, kinder and more human.

Ali Uzzell