During these difficult times I thought I would add  copy over some words from a friend of mine

MENTAL HEALTH BRIEFING 2020 - Annabel Poate-Joyner

Many weeks have now passed since most employers started telling their workers to stay at home and work remotely. Since then it has become the predominant way of working for most of us apart from NHS and Health & Social Care Staff and the Emergency services to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude, and also those people who work in the essential shop and services workers who are just vital to keep everything and everyone going.

It has been an intense time of change and adjustment and most of us have suddenly acquired new IT equipment and skills enabling us to work, network, socialise and even learn, using video conferencing and social media platforms.

Right now, the government is making announcements about possible plans for moving forward from the lock-down but the future is still impossible to predict.

We are thankful for the warmer weather which makes most things seem a little more bearable whether you are working from home or furloughed. Never before have people insisted on taking their daily exercise which is so crucial to maintaining good physical and mental health and preventing new problems. There is a new spirit of warmth towards others, so reach out to those who are isolated and lonely, and join neighbourhood volunteer groups if you can help, and keep in touch with those you know, especially if they are ill or grieving.

As Business Owners, Senior Leaders and Employers, you will have been facing massive change and this has already had many disastrous consequences, sadly. Some businesses are struggling on, desperate for the lockdown to end, but it may be too late for their business to survive. Remember there is absolutely no blame or shame if your business has collapsed, try not to feel guilty or feel that you have let your workers down if you have had to let them go already, or only now are realising that it is a likely outcome in due course. Do not feel that you personally have failed if it couldn’t be helped in this COVID-19 crisis situation.

Link up with friends and colleagues in similar positions for moral support and comfort. If you are feeling very stressed, depressed and desperate, speak to your family and your GP who are offering telephone consultations and please do consider Talking Therapies which is available remotely and take medication if this is recommended. Do your best to come to terms with this crisis and then start to think about what to do next. There is a new future waiting for everyone. #no blame no shame