People we spoke to described different ways that their physical health has been impacted by the pandemic and restrictions, but also how their physical health conditions impacted their ability to cope.
Many people spoke about their physical health deteriorating and becoming deprioritised as a result of the pandemic. For instance, people spoke about not exercising due to being unable to access the gym or group exercise classes. The cold weather and “freezing and torrential rain” in the winter lockdown meant people had even less incentive to exercise outdoors.
Some people spoke about struggling without having exercise as a coping mechanism during the pandemic. Damien was missing his Pilates classes which felt “as good as Diazepam”. For Sam, running was their “only release” in managing their depression - being without it left them with no reason to go out and contributed to increasing suicidal feelings. Many others felt their deterioration in physical health was linked to a deterioration in mental health.
I’m emotionally and physically drained and exhausted. Sleep more. Eat more and do very little exercise so have put on over a stone in weight. Which makes the depression and anxiety worse and self-esteem and self-worth low.
Mariyam
People also spoke about having intense fear of catching or passing on coronavirus. This sometimes meant that people were afraid to leave the house and again was felt to be linked to worsening mental health.
I think the viral pandemic is much more frightening than the idea of a zombie apocalypse because at least you can see the zombies and run away from them. You can't see COVID. You can't see if somebody else is just breathing it on you. You can't see if it's on that tin of soup you just picked up off the shelf.
Ruby
People also spoke about increased isolation due to shielding. Tara was struggling with her mental health during the pandemic but was excluded from wellbeing activities at work as she was shielding. This had a negative impact on her already vulnerable mental state.
Because I'm not able to go in for my own safety, I've felt very left out the whole year with everything that's going on with work. I feel forgotten about because it's all focused on people in work itself. Some of those emails sometimes make me cry and then I get into the low mood. Yes, vicious cycle.
Tara
Read more about Tara's experience of the pandemic here.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.