DID you notice a subtle but significant change in mood last week? The national consciousness in the UK seemed to go from a forgiving zeitgeist of “they’re doing their best” to at the extreme “we need a public inquiry”. But perhaps, more generally, there was a shift to a greater mistrust in the UK Government.
For some of us, that may have always been there but mostly we were collectively recognising a need to cut a bit of slack – to have some sympathy – in such uncertain times but that, like PPE, is now in rather short supply.
For example, our care homes have rightly been at the centre of some shocking headlines of late. One-quarter of all the deaths so far in Scotland linked to Covid-19 have been in care homes. That figure remains unknown in England and Wales, so those deaths are not even counted in the total.
Let’s just sit for a moment and take that in. Our most vulnerable are indeed carrying the load of the coronavirus and, like so often, hospital services are the ones being prioritised for testing, protective equipment and staff, with training to do what’s being asked of them.
Let’s recognise that, for carers, social distancing at work is not an option. Care so often is about touch, a hand held, a reassuring hug, a small touch of the shoulder, a calming presence. They are only now getting enough protective equipment and the numbers tested remain low.
READ MORE: Testing facility for coronavirus set to open in Inverness
Some care home staff have chosen to leave home for now and to live in their workplace so as to protect their residents from the virus. Such commitment is awe-inspiring and at last we are beginning to understand that we owe them a huge debt.
Our care homes are still playing catch-up, used to being Cinderella at the NHS ball. It beggars belief that the offer of a “Care” badge was deemed to be enough to calm the growing calls to hold the Westminster Government to account. However, in Scotland, organisations such as Scottish Care are, by comparison, now working closely with the Scottish Government to identify areas of need and help to find solutions to meet them.
All sectors are being valued and working alongside each other as partners in change and it’s the high-risk people who are at last benefiting.
In a country of only 5.4 million people, it’s easier to be so effective in a crisis. The Scottish Government has also shown in its willingness to say “we don’t know, please help us”, an admirable honesty and lack of arrogance. Now that’s how trust is earned.
READ MORE: Dumbarton care home stops new admissions after 15 Covid-19 deaths
Our society now must surely recognise the need to provide equitable and properly funded social care as well as a properly funded NHS. Covid-19 may be the lever we need as a society for that fundamental shift in priorities. But who will pull that lever of change? Never waste a good crisis is a timely phrase and it will be up to us all not to waste this one.
But back to the shift in mood because for some of us this was not only at a national level but also a personal one.
It seemed for many, this was the week it all felt more real. The Easter weekend was sunny in the main but this week felt a bit like that point on the journey where the kids cry “are we nearly there yet?”
On social media the talk was of getting more emotional. It was the week when, for example, seeing the grandchildren on Zoom was joyful yes but evoked sadness, too. Will we ever enjoy time together again?
READ MORE: UK Government plans to 'pursue every possible option' for PPE
Over-enthusiastic use of Zoom or similar for many is causing its own kind of brain fog and fatigue. Filling diaries with online meetings does not take account of the context in which this is all emerging. It’s a national crisis because of a potentially fatal virus. Our lives are not normal and we realise they won’t be for some time.
It may be welcome not to have the commute, but the downside is that everyone is in the house all the time. Home schooling a mere aspiration in the melee that is the average household. Rather than an idealised world of cooking together, the evidence is that the pressure cooker environment created by lockdown is increasing domestic violence.
This crisis has exposed our inequalities like never before and this has awakened in many the recognition of the urgent need for change. But until then, supporting food banks is neither enough for the givers or receivers.
The result is poor sleep and low mood are the current reality for many. This is a reminder to take care of our mental health. This is a marathon not a sprint and our wellbeing, physical and mental, is being tested.
Don’t ignore symptoms, do seek help for physical and especially mental illness. Do speak to someone and seek help from organisations or indeed friends and family. What this crisis has shown is the huge well of support that is within our communities. Kindness and care won’t be far away.
Do reach out.
Some numbers that may be helpful:
NHS 24 call 111
Scottish Women’s Aid 08000271234
Samaritans 116123
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health
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