Portsmouth matron shares mental health journey after her whole family gets Covid-19

The News and the rest of parent company JPIMedia are today launching the There For Each Other campaign that will focus each week on a different topic affecting mental health and hear from people sharing their experiences of seeking support and the professionals that give it.

This week’s topic is the only word on anyone’s lips – Covid-19.

There is no doubt the pandemic has affected the physical health of thousands and contributed to the deaths of loved ones but the depth of the mental health impact is one that only beginning to be realised as demand on support increases.

But the support is there and someone who knows more than most is Sarah Grainger, who works at St Mary’s as a modern matron in the the Portsmouth Rehab and Reablement Team.

The 54-year-old has been caring for Covid and non-Covid patients since the start of the outbreak but found she needed support for herself last month after she and all her family were struck down with the virus.

Sarah told The News: ‘As a nurse I really struggled when myself and the rest of my family became ill. It was scary how quickly it spread and it has made me feel very anxious about it all.

‘My son visited my parents at a distance when he was allowed to and then came back to ours for dinner.

‘He got symptoms on the Monday, my mum had it on Friday, my dad on the following Monday, my husband on the Tuesday and then I felt it Thursday night.

‘Some of us had coughs, some had a temperature but we all felt this massive sense of tiredness. For me that was so hard as I am the person who looks after everyone and I couldn’t which really affected me.

‘It also meant that I had to work from home after we were better which I found very hard mentally as well. I am so used to working with my team and the isolation was difficult.’

Sarah was supported by her manager, who is an occupational therapist.

She said: ‘I have an amazing support team at work and my manager helped me to deal with the anxiety I was feeling and helped to do a phased return to work.

‘In my work I see the effects that Covid has on people’s physical and mental health and I think having had it myself now I feel even more empathy.

‘Anyone who is struggling with the pandemic should know that it is ok not to be ok and I would urge anyone to get support if you need it, whether that is family, friends, work colleagues or professionals.

Dr Mahdi Ghomi, a clinical director and consultant counselling psychologist at Solent NHS Trust, is encouraging people to learn more about mental health and get support if they need it.

He said: ‘The impact of Covid-19 has had a major impact on people’s health and wellbeing. The threat of physical illness to all of us is clear.

‘However, whilst we are undergoing a physical health pandemic, the mental health impact of Covid 19 is only starting to emerge and could be significant for several reasons.

SEE ALSO: 19 areas where Covid cases are falling the fastest in Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Waterlooville and Hayling Island

‘Covid-19 brings with it mental health stressors including social isolation, financial hardship, loss and bereavement for large parts of our communities.

‘As humans, we tend to struggle to cope with uncertainties which are brought about by ongoing threat of Covid 19 and not knowing what the future holds. We are designed to adapt and cope, however the constant ‘stop and start’ nature of Covid 19 and the threat of lockdown can make it difficult for us to come to terms with the new normal.

‘So, more than ever we need to protect our wellbeing.

‘Many of us may be experiencing mental health difficulties without realising it. We can experience tiredness, disrupted sleep, changes to our eating pattern and worrying or feel restless more than usual.

‘All of these are common signs of mental health difficulties and the earlier we get help, the better it will be for us.’

If anyone in Portsmouth needs to access support for mental health, one of the services available is Talking Change.

It is a free NHS service, provided by Solent NHS Trust, and offers support for anyone 16 or above.

The service consists of a group of mental health and wellbeing professionals, including psychotherapists, counsellor sand employment advisors, who can help people access treatments for common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and bereavement.

Treatments are currently offered through video calls and courses, online digital therapies and by phone.

Dr Ghomi added: ‘The NHS continues to adapt so that services can continue as effectively as possible through the pandemic.

‘We encourage everyone to make use of these valuable resources as and when needed. If we know others who may be struggling it is vital to encourage each other to put our wellbeing front and centre so that we can cope and come through the upcoming months.

‘Some of us may experience mental health related symptoms without realising it. We may feel tired all the time, have difficulty with our sleep or feel restless more than usual.

‘If you experience one or more of the symptoms below we encourage you to contact Talking Change by phoning 0300 123 3934 for further support and advice.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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