Depression in British adults doubles during coronavirus crisis | How to feel better
I have been a photographer in Berkshire for 20 years now. I am a pregnancy photographer and also offer personal branding photography photographing people and helping them to feel proud and successful. My clients like so many others have really suffered during the coranavirus crisis.
The government has just issued a study which shows 20% of British adults experienced depression during the coranavirus pandemic, with female, younger adults, key workers, households who were unable to afford an unexpected expense and disabled adults most affected.
The study compares how people were feeling in June 2020 compared with the nine months leading up to March.
It is not surprising people are feeling anxious as we come out of lockdown too.
People are worried about children returning to school, they have anxiety about losing their jobs as furlough schemes end, they are grieving their old life, they just want to go on holiday abroad and not be worried they may have to quarantine on their return, they are not allowed to operate their businesses like before and many have actually found coming out of lockdown harder then going into lockdown as they try to navigate everyones feelings on what is right and wrong to do and of course the concerns about a possible future lockdown.
Psychiatrists and campaigners urged ministers to put mental illness at the heart of a national Covid-19 recovery plan prioritising investment in NHS services and mental health support initiatives in the workplace, schools and community groups.
If you are missing going abroad maybe check out this list of gorgeous locations in England and some in Wales and Scotland too.
As a pregnancy photographer who loves to photograph pregnant ladies and couples against stunning backdrops I find going in nature one of the most important things for my mind, body and soul and highly recommend it to everyone. There are many reports to suggest that some exercise outdoors such as walking, getting out in a green space and listening and looking at nature is so beneficial to our health. Personally I make sure I get out in nature every single day and I think this and getting sleep are the two most important things to help you deal with and enjoy life more. Love is also right up there too.
Here are a few pictures I have taken on my morning walks that really help make me appreciate life even more.
I love being a photographer in Reading and photograph people all over England too and alway find happiness in what I do and offer. It is important to find gratitude everyday. This is a gratitude list, Gratitude can really help you through the tough times.
I also highly recommend trying meditation. Lots of free guided meditations can be found online and it you are new to meditating calm is fantastic at helping you develop a joy of mindfulness.
If you know any pregnant ladies that are nervous about going out at the moment but they would love to have a maternity photoshoot in a safe location and deserve to feel amazing please put them in touch with me as I understand their anxiety but also know how important a location pregnancy photo shoot is as we only get one opportunity in our life to photograph this as no two pregnancies are the same.
As someone who works on mindset every day and believes we have to feel good to be happier & to help us get through these tougher times I would like to summarise what really helps me and from listening to podcasts, audibles and speaking to others I know these things really help others too.
Good sleep
Getting out in nature
Find at least three things you are greatful for every day and when a situation is really tough this is even more important
Eat well. Food is energy and medicine
Make sure you have some ‘you’ time every day even if it just for twenty minutes to do something you love
Spend time with people that you love and people who you love spending time with
Do you have any other ideas to help to feel better to live a better life?
If you would like some tips on taking better portraits of your pregnancy at home check out my guide on taking pregnancy photos at home
If you are pregnant take a look at my maternity gallery on the website.