Portsmouth mental health advisor stuck away from partner turns to art to help switch off from work

Claudia Stibbs from Portsmouth is one of many who has faced the challenges of mental health during the last year and is currently struggling being away from her partner and friends after being unable to return home to the city when restrictions changed at Christmas.

The 23-year-old is an advisor at Positive Minds, a charity that helps people facing issues including housing, money, work and life after the armed forces.

Claudia, who has anxiety and depression, said: ‘It has been really hard adjusting to work from home as you have to do your job in the same room that you watch Netflix in so it can be hard to switch off.

‘I have been staying with my family since restrictions changed but my partner, who I live with, is now alone and it has been hard to be far away from friends even if I can’t see them close anyway.

‘Feeling so isolated from them has made my depression more difficult to deal with. I often find myself losing concentration and motivation and worrying about things.’

Claudia has found being creative has helped her reduce her stress and anxiety and her work have been supportive throughout the pandemic as well.

She said: ‘I started off small, focusing on other things I liked, like video games and began to sketch stuff from them. I now really love painting landscapes and because it occupies so much time and thought, I think it is a great way to manage those low moods I get.

‘Being creative can be a great way to use mindfulness without us even realising it.

SEE ALSO: Former midwife from Waterlooville says bereavement support from Rowans Hospice is 'lifeline' after losing husband and mother in first lockdown

‘I am definitely lucky to work for a charity that puts so much emphasis on mental health and allows us to have mental health days for stress even prior to the pandemic.

‘I think Covid and having to work from home has made people realise that work really can affect your mental health and that a good work life balance is vital.’

For more information visit solentmind.org.uk/support-for-you/

The News and JPI Media has launched a mental health campaign, There For Each Other.

Over the next few weeks you will hear from a range of people about their mental health journeys, relating to a number of topics including Covid-19, veterans, suicide, financial stress, grief, domestic abuse and the impact of social media.

Health professionals, organisations and charities will be sharing the range of support that is available and how it can be accessed.

For mental health support across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant and Hampshire

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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