We have now been in lockdown for four weeks. It’s often said that a week is a long time in politics, yet the last four weeks have seen the most seismic changes to our normal way of life since World War 2.
I am saddened by the number of people who have lost their lives due to coronavirus, and we mustn’t forget that behind each figure is a person who had a family, who was loved. My condolences go to all the families who’ve lost loved ones.
Coronavirus does not discriminate and I was shocked to hear that the Prime Minister was taken to intensive care after his symptoms worsened. At times like these, we must retain and strengthen our common bonds of humanity and put aside our political differences, and I wish him well.
Even though normal political hostilities are on hold, the work of scrutinising government continues. Worries about health, finances and the future are the bread and butter of politicians’ inboxes and mailbags. Clearly, many people are still coming to terms with the huge changes to our lives.
It’s OK to not feel OK, and to feel overwhelmed. Many people, myself included, find it difficult to switch off from the cycle of upsetting stories of death and illness in the media.
It’s made more challenging when many of the ways we normally use to cope with difficult times, such as going for a walk or a trip, or visiting family and friends, are either heavily restricted or against the rules that are needed to tackle coronavirus.
In my last column, I wrote about the overlap between mental and physical health, and how those who are most at risk physically from coronavirus are also those likely to struggle with their mental health.
I am pleased that additional mental health support has been provided by NHS Lanarkshire and the Scottish Government during this crisis. Anyone struggling with symptoms of poor mental health, such as anxiety or low mood, should call NHS Lanarkshire’s psychological wellbeing helpline on 01698 687567.
Many of the financial measures announced by the Chancellor have helped people get some certainty back into their lives, but there are those who are falling through the cracks and I will do everything I can to raise these issues with the Treasury.
We haven’t yet seen the worst of the shockwaves that have rippled through the economy, and the post-lockdown world will look quite different. This crisis is a test of our resolve like no other – let’s show that we used that resolve to ensure that no-one is left behind by the decisions we make.
