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Remember, misery loves company!

Self-isolating and mental health
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Hi all,

I think it's fair to say the last week has been a bit of a world turner. This time last week I was looking forward to watching the Six Nations in the pub with friends and then heading to visit my parents for a weekend away. Yesterday, I was racing around my London flat finding clothes, books and games and packing up my life in a weird, not sure when I'll be back, way. I am now fully ensconced in the countryside for the unforeseeable future. I even brought Planty, like I would leave him behind!

I'm lucky, because I escaped to the countryside to be with family. I knew self isolation would be a bad bad thing for me mentally. The thing is, I'd be good at it, very good. I'd welcome it, allow solitary to find me and plunge, head first into depression, my old friend, like slipping on an old pair of slippers. So, no. I decided company was best.

Misery loves company right? At a time like this, we are all absolutely, in wide-eyed amazement, wondering what just happened, but the crux of it is, it has happened and now we have to just get on with it. The one thing that we know is: we are ALL IN IT. So, we can take this chance and panic, grow anxiety together and overthink, OR, we can collectively, keep it together.

I'm going to try and keep it together, I'm feeling confident. I've got some time on my hands now, I'm going to do a puzzle, a painting, some crosswords, that's going to be good for my mind. My mother, has of course, given us all jobs around the house, good, that'll keep us busy. I suppose the most important thing is that we are together. However, if you are alone in your home - come and talk to My Black Dog! We are online as usual and would LOVE to chat to you, let's stay connected!!

If you are anything like me, you'll find being alone difficult, and if that is the case, please let someone know. Remember, we live in a digital age, so it is easy to get in touch.

Rest, relax, write a letter, talk to a friend on the phone, go online and chat to our volunteers, reach out, stay safe, enjoy your home, breathe.... and don't give misery company.