This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
We figured out a way to record a new podcast remotely – usually we are huddled together over a microphone at one or other’s homes. You can listen to the result if you scroll down the bottom of this post.
Another positive result from these troubled times is that we are all getting to grips with technology whether its Houseparty, Zoom, Instagram or making better use of the facilities on our mobiles and computers.
We’ve also learned something else recently. How to broadcast on Insta live. It’s a great way to keep in touch with our fabulous readers. So when we’re next broadcasting we’ll let you know and very much hope you can join in and have a chat with us.
In the meantime have a listen to our latest podcast, ‘You’re Never Too Old to Ask for Help’. The past few weeks of lockdown have been a first for all of us. However it may also have released fears and worries in you that you have never experienced before. I personally am someone who is pretty even-keeled and in the past I have rarely found myself depressed. During lockdown though it has been like a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I am loving it, the solitude, the peace, time to do all the things you wanted to do at home, or no time pressure to do anything. Then I feel guilt for enjoying it as so many other families are suffering. This is often swiftly followed by a feeling of fear and anxiety. Throughout all of this I am constantly thinking I am getting Covid-19, waking at night with a cough, thinking I am fatigued. But of course I am fine, this situation has just made us all so conscious of our health.
So Grace and I decided to chat about all these feelings and have combined this with stories from other friends who are isolating on their own, or, like Grace’s sister, who is in shielded lockdown.
Have a listen and we hope you enjoy our honest chat.
Here are all the Helplines that we mention in the post.
Childline: 0800 1111
Samaritans: 116 123
Domestic Violence Hotline: 0808 2000 247
The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0181
Mind: 0300 123 3393
Age UK: 0800 169 6565
YAPA app – It’s good to talk Yap. Yapa stands for ‘You Are Perfect Always’. It is a new social media app that encourages its users to talk to one another, instead of sharing photographs or amassing ‘likes’. Yapa has seen a 70% increase in traffic since the UK Covid19 lock-down. The app encourages users to send out ‘Yaps’, text-based posts that are mood-dependent. These range from Depressed to Happy via different color codes, giving members the chance to connect with friends or well-known personalities and express themselves honestly. If a user posts multiple times in the ‘Depressed’ colour range, then they will be messaged privately and recommended local help options for their specific issue.
Another great app is the Sanvello App. Sanvello is a free therapy app that provides on-demand help for stress, anxiety, and depression. Sanvello is based on cognitive-behavioral practices. Working with therapists Sanvello is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy by offering clinically validated solutions and support. It is the #1 app for stress, anxiety, and depression with over 3 million users. A place to feel better: Sanvello premium access is free to everyone … click HERE.
Stay Safe and Be Well A&G x
There are more tips on coping with the crisis here