This blog is for anyone still affected/concerned about lockdown restrictions easing.We look through some research and success as everyone tries to create their new normal in any setting. Through careful consideration of Health, Mental Health and some examples of Olympic Athletes highlighting the need for support at every level.
Over the coming three weeks we will focus on Updates, Success Stories and New Programmes, that are available to those with LTHC’s & Disabilities.
We’ll journey through some Post Lockdown Research, celebrate the success of Sport & Exercise providers, Health Charities and Mental Health Support networks. We’ll look to the future as new programmes are implemented, others re-launched and the return of some of our old favourites, that have evolved over the Pandemic. We’ll wind up with a great Case Study showcasing the work of Active Essex and The Disability Sport Ambassadors.
Health & Well-Being
It may be a while since lockdown restrictions eased but that doesn’t mean life or health is back to normal just yet. As proved in a joint survey The Pituitary Foundation and The Addison’s Self Help Group conducted some research to literally ask people how they were feeling as lockdown restrictions lifted. The results are very clear as both groups offer their conclusions and support through The Addisons Disease Self Help Group Blog Post and The Pituitary Foundation News Page. They report that 80% of the 600 people surveyed were uncomfortable with restrictions being eased, compared with just one in ten being happy about the same thing.
Dr Sue Jackson, a regular writer of all things Pituitary is a Psychologist with particular interest in Endocrine medicine and, mental Health. Here she discusses the issues concerned as;
“The Government is basically saying “over to you” to the general public….we’re expected to make appropriate common-sense decisions about how to manage the risks associated with the pandemic by ourselves….We each assess and respond to risks differently, and that leads to a feeling of uncertainty about what we’ll find away from home, particularly for people with long term health conditions. Uncertainty is probably the most challenging thing that humans have to cope with; accompanied by a feeling of a lack of control, uncertainty tends to make us anxious and vulnerable.(“https://pituitary.org.uk/news/2021/08/covid-19-adrenal-insufficiency-what-now/)
Both close with this great summary;
‘The most important thing is to remember that however you may be feeling, these emotions are valid and you should take whatever precautions you feel are right for you. Everyone is in the same storm, but a different boat: some people want to get out and meet friends to protect their mental health, some want to shield to minimise the risk of contracting the virus, while others again have jobs or responsibilities that prevent them from doing so.
So for those not ready to make a return just yet, why waste the acquisition of skills acquired over lockdown. Like the use of Zoom, Microsoft teams, and FaceTime. You can still access content from the many Virtual Conferences, YouTube exercise videos and webinars. There is no reason why these cannot still be utilised for meetings where possible. Use those skills or they could be lost! Some of these are truly valuable and can even become a full time part of our new ‘normal’.
Further support is available from The Pituitary Foundation, who have numerous support groups around the country. In the latest Volunteer News Document produced by Sian Pitman, they have focused in on key things to implement at meetings for those who are ready to make a return. These include the following;
The use of Face Masks
Allowing access to hand washing facilities
Ensuring good ventilation
Food & Drink Considerations such as avoiding the use of shared cutlery
Social Distancing and one way systems at the venue
Test & Trace rules & paper lists for those without the NHS app
Toilets with a one in and one out system
Adapting if you need to. One great idea here is to meet outdoors
Simple steps that could will help and support many people as they return to these supportive sessions. Also transferrable across many other scenarios, whether that be an exercise session, work meeting or some family connection time.
Mental Health
Following nicely on from this, Mind has produced some great resources based around supporting friends and family an Introduction. There are some great topics within this that cover;
Showing Your Support
Asking how you can support them
Being Open Minded
Don’t just talk about Mental Health
Show trust and respect
Look after yourself
Get support
Through the pandemic Mental Health has been a constant subject and, many now can have empathy for those already suffering. Something key to either supporting someone, or being the one with Mental Health conditions is Self Care. The first step is to be aware of your own health, try to interact socially, try getting support from peers, make use of relaxing activities and if you feel the need then contact a special organisation.These are discussed and endorsed by Mind on their Introduction To Self Care Page.
It’s fair to say that although the Olympics has now passed it thrilled us with the range of sports, the success of our athletes, the heart warming stories and, personal journeys, some far greater and more poignant than others. Athletes are often put on a pedestal and, they are expected to produce, but they are human and not only deserve our support but in competition but should also be proud for them for speaking out about Mental Health and Well-Being.
Possibly the biggest story of the games came from the greatest Gymnast of all time Simone Biles from USA . Her journey became far more than winning medals. Her troubles began before she even left for Tokyo. The pressure of a nation on her shoulders, Olympic Golds hung around her neck before her place was guaranteed on the team. Errors in qualifying and holding back on new skills viewed and secure just a few months ago, showed a glimmer of concern for the Gymnastics World. In the team final her first vault was a twist less and the mark reflected that.
Recognising at that time, in that place, at that moment, removing herself from the situation, working out what she couldn’t do BUT also what she could do and, had a dramatic impact on her young team. Returning to the arena she could offer advice, pick up personal chalk trays, carry bags, shout and cheer, hug and console, be a crucial part of the team when her own body and mind just wouldn’t connect. An attack of the ‘twisties’, which is like a mental block. The Gymnast doesn’t know where they are in the air. A fear that many with LTHC’s/Mental health conditions can suffer but in a different situation. Body and mind at war with each other.
A VERY dangerous scenario for anyone and, for Biles one she felt could cost the team a medal and/or far greater risk of actually injuring herself in what is an increasingly dangerous sport. Her team accepted her decision, supported it and moved on. Sunnisa Lee became the lead gymnast on the floor, reserves popped in with great success. Friends and team mates switching roles. Peers working together to achieve the best outcome possible.
Her return in the beam final was incredible, a heart warming but anxious moment. The Japanese showing such kindness in allowing her access to a local gym to be able to train alone and away from cameras. Focusing on the one event where twists are not required and can be removed, but also a lower difficulty score. A bronze was the perfect end to a terrifying, different, emotional games for Biles who now has even more admirers.
Relaxation
Relaxation can be extremely helpful to those with LTHC’s and/or mental Health problems. Another athlete showing self care was Tom Daley, multiple Olympic medalist. In the past he has faced demons over lost dives and confidence loses (hardly surprising when you are diving from 10 metres up) and, has battled through these problems. But in Tokyo he was seen in the stands and, between dives knitting.
Not necessarily what you would expect but it clearly works for him and, sets a great example of how he can utilise something so far away from diving to actually support and improve his performance. Something his coach wanted to add. Encouraging him to find something to stop the constant fiddling and fidgeting. Additionally, he even auctioned one of his incredible cardigans to raise money for charity. A brilliant example of a coach picking on one element of performance to support their athletes Mental Health. A great quality to have.
Including relaxation is something that anyone can do, you just have to find your escape. Next week we’ll look at this in the form of exercise, but it really can be anything and ideally portable. Simple playlists, sketch pads, writing journals, streaming your favourite box sets or simply ear plugs and some gentle breathing techniques.
By talking out and visually demonstrating self care, these athletes offer those with LTHC’s the opportunity to be understood. We can follow in their shadow even if it doesn’t make the problem go away, the right language found to explain our fears and feelings and, judgement/stigma could be lost, which in itself will help us all. Then perhaps our COVID restrictions lifting will filter down the chain allowing us to fall back into society as, happier, more confident and relaxed individuals!
Next Time…
A further example of sports ability to influence some positive outcomes to make us all stop, think and take action, through one traumatic event at Euro 2020, that has the potential to save thousands of lives each year in the UK. Followed by look at Diet and Exercise habits, both the good and the bad and, explore some new opportunities and updates to programmes for those with LTHC’s, Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions.
Important Links
Addison’s Disease Self Help Group
The Pituitary Foundation
The Pituitary Foundation - Virtual Conference
Mind - Support For Friends and Family
Mind - Types of Mental Health Problems
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