The number of people living in flats in Bournemouth is higher than the average for the rest of the country. During the UK’s coronavirus lockdown living somewhere with no outdoor space could be making an already difficult situation even worse.
The coronavirus lockdown has had a serious effect on mental health. 24% of adults have felt loneliness during the lockdown, according to a study by the Mental Health Foundation. This did not take into account people’s living situations, but shows the effect that lockdown could have on our mental health in the long term. Young people aged 18-24 were found to be especially badly affected.
Many people have been reliant on their gardens to spend time out in the sun and make lockdown feel less difficult. But how are those living without outdoor spaces coping with the situation?
Callum Goslan and Hayley Hobson are living in a flat in Boscombe. Callum is an essential worker, so his daily routine hasn’t been badly affected by the lockdown. Hayley is a postgraduate student at Bournemouth University and has been furloughed from her part time job. They spoke to The Breaker about how they are coping with the lockdown and what they are doing to keep themselves occupied. Hear what they have been up to in the video below.
While they have no garden, Hayley added that they have been going on walks to spend some time outside. She says she misses going to the beach and spending time with friends.
“We’ve missed our social interaction quite a lot, like not having people round.” – Callum Goslan
What can you do to help your mental health during lockdown?
In order to help with the loneliness of lockdown, The Mental Health Foundation have also provided some advice for looking after your mental health. It includes activities like reading, watching films, and exercising.
Above all else, they advised people who are feeling anxious about the lockdown to look after their physical health. A balanced diet is recommended, and they also suggest managing your stress levels by reducing social media use. To read their full list of advice, click here.
Remember that unless you are particularly vulnerable, leaving the house to get some fresh air is still an option. If the parks near you are still open, they are an especially good place to do your daily exercise. Or if you live in Bournemouth or another seaside town, you might live close enough to the beach to go for a walk there.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health during lockdown, you can contact Samaritans.
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
Find out more from The Breaker on how people are coping with the lockdown. Read how the coronavirus has changed the way we work.
