It will come as no surprise that over the past 14 months, there has been an exponential increase in the number of adults reporting signs of anxiety and in those accessing support for depression. Now, over a year into the pandemic, there’s finally hope on the horizon, and while many breathe a sigh of relief, for others this is replaced by new worries about returning to a “normal” life – worries that are completely unique to this situation; after all, this is unchartered territory. None of us have been in this position before – returning to socialising after an extended period of seclusion, having concerns about whether we’ll go into another lockdown, and insecurities about the long-term impact on employment, the economy and job stability.

Mental Health Awareness Week is the ideal time to address everyone’s concerns about post-lockdown anxiety and what we can do as individuals and practices to support ourselves and others.

For practices, as well as the social aspect of lifting the lockdown, there are additional stresses for practice teams who are facing a changing workload due to a turbulent year. Practice managers have given up annual leave, worked day and night setting up the amazingly successful vaccination campaigns, changed ways of working to ensure COVID security within practices; now, understandably, many are drained. There’s catching up to be done – nurses are faced with new parents who put off immunisations, concerned about bringing new babies into the practice, cervical screening tests that were cancelled because shielding patients didn’t want to leave their homes, and so on. GPs are seeing minor medical concerns that have escalated during the past few months. A recent statistic showed that 22% of the population were using alcohol to cope during the last lockdown, and 36% reported that they were eating more*; this is resulting in additional health concerns as we come out of the pandemic. And, of course, this means more calls and appointments through reception. The demand is on everyone within the practice.

Helping to manage stress and look after mental health are vital to recovering from the pandemic – for everyone. A recent newspaper article* noted that a practice in Northampton has withdrawn from continuing their COVID vaccination campaign, having completed the first cohorts, in preference for allowing the local government centre to complete the under-40s cohorts. The practice reported that their teams, like every other, have worked extremely hard setting up and hosting vaccination drives since last December and felt it was time to think about their own well-being now. With restrictions lifting, many staff members are keen to take time off, and the practice is keen to balance staff taking their annual leave with offering enhanced support for clinics for patients.

As we move back towards normality, considering mental well-being should be something that everyone prioritises.

Support for coming out of lockdown:

• Do what you’re comfortable with and when you’re ready: There’s no rush to return to big groups, eating out or hugging. If you’re not ready, tell others. As an individual at home or at work, if you find the team wants to go for after-work drinks but you’re just not ready, take your time and go when you are.
• Give yourself time to relax: It can be surprisingly overwhelming returning to being amongst big groups of people, driving longer distances, and interacting. It’s really important to give yourself time to switch off, even if you just sit and read in the garden or go for a walk.
• The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year is ‘nature’, following research from the Mental Health Foundation which found that 45% of people relied on green spaces during lockdown for their relaxation and improving their emotional state. Just taking time for a walk or a visit to a park or gardens can help you to connect with nature and improve your mental well-being.
• Share: The old adage ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ is particularly true when it comes to issues that are worrying you. For example, if you’re finding your workload is too high, speak to a practice partner or post on the forum (your fellow PMs often have super-useful tips and even if they don’t, they’re likely to know what you’re experiencing; you’re all in the same boat). If you’re anxious about post-lockdown situations, explain to your friends or family and set small goals – choose to meet one friend for coffee in a week, and pace the steps you take to suit how you feel.
• Work smarter: It’s easier said than done but try to discover working methods that save time and energy. Some practices are reporting that they turn eConsults off for short periods to allow them to catch up when there’s an influx, or others are running catch-up mornings for overdue immunisations. There are loads of ideas on the forum, and if you have some of your own, we’re sure your fellow teams would love to hear them.
• Practice Index offers a free course for your practice team called ‘Mental Health in the Workplace’. This short course helps you to understand and identify mental health problems within your team, and what you can do to effectively support your colleagues. You can find out more here.

‘Unprecedented’ is a word we’ve all heard repeatedly during the pandemic, but it perfectly summarises the situation. We’ve been separated from friends and family, our work lives have drastically changed, and the ‘new normal’ involves masks and lateral flow testing. Now as the restrictions lift, we’re adapting again to more change and this can take its toll on our mental health. If there’s one thing you do for yourself during Mental Health Awareness Week, take this online support quiz to find out how best to tailor support for yourself.

*Mental Health Foundation

* https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/health/one-of-nhss-biggest-gp-practices-lakeside-in-corby-stanground-st-neots-and-stamford-wont-give-covid-vaccination-to-under-40s-3221607