Four Years On…We Look Back…!
Walk.Talk.Breathe.
Walk.Talk.Breathe.

Four Years On…We Look Back…!

In July of this year, it will be three years since lockdowns came to an end in the UK.

The lingering trauma of that time is showing up in different ways across our lives. Individual well-being, family dynamics, and the broader societal landscape have been shifted by the events of the last 4 years. Maybe you feel it’s all in the past or you haven’t noticed much difference. In fact many people may have taken positives from this time.

For some however, there is a lingering shadow which may feel hard to define. Professionally and in my home and social life, I have noticed the impact of the many pressures we have faced on top of the stressors we already had when the pandemic unfolded, in the outcomes in people’s lives.

Therapy offers a neutral and calm space to reflect, explore your thoughts and experiences and form new perspectives. 

Have a read through the list below, think if any apply to you or if there are any not mentioned and comment below.

  • Mental Health Challenges: Many people are grappling with persistent mental health challenges stemming from the lockdown. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms may be enduring. 
  • Social Relationships: The impact on social relationships is evident as people navigate changes in dynamics, intimacy, and communication. Some may struggle with reconnecting, others find it challenging to readjust to social interaction.
  • Family Relationships: Lockdowns have significantly impacted family dynamics. Increased time spent together, potential conflicts arising from stress, and adjustments to new routines have influenced the fabric of family relationships. Some may experience strengthened bonds, while others may have experienced something different.
  • Work and Professional Life: The shift to remote work during lockdown has had lasting effects on work environments. Some individuals may be dealing with the ongoing challenges of remote work, while others are readjusting to in-person or hybrid models. Some may have had to change careers completely.
  • Economic Strain: The economic repercussions of the lockdown, such as job losses and financial instability, continue to affect individuals and families. Coping with economic stress can be a persistent challenge for many.
  • Educational Impact: Students and educators are still dealing with the educational disruptions caused by lockdowns. Remote learning, gaps in education, and the need for catch-up measures are ongoing concerns. Children’s attitudes to School may have changes causing parenting pressures beyond what was there before.
  • Health Anxiety/Illness: Concerns about health may persist. People may still grapple with fears of infection, and the experience of illness during the pandemic could contribute to long-term health anxiety. Others are living with the physical effects of becoming ill and having to make lifestyle changes.
  • Grief and Loss: Grieving processes may still be ongoing as individuals come to terms with losses experienced during the lockdown, whether it be the loss of loved ones, opportunities, or a sense of normalcy.
  • Broken Social Contract: The profound changes and disruptions brought about by the pandemic have led to a sense of a “broken social contract.” Individuals may feel a rupture in the societal expectations and mutual support systems, prompting a need for reflection on collective values and responsibilities.

I wonder if reading through this list has brought anything up for you as you think back over the last few years..? Book a contact session today and keep looking forwards…

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