Adjusting to lockdown

Monday, 13 July 2020

Keith, 24, a Jigsaw volunteer gives his story: I am on lockdown with my parents. Unfortunately, there are no pets, except those on animal crossing.

It was hard at first, as my daily routine has completely changed, along with just having to adjust to the current circumstances.

However, over the weeks we’ve been in lockdown, several things that have popped up, which I have definitely incorporated into my new daily routine. One of which is the time I’m spending by myself. I’m learning a lot about myself and what my resilience levels are like at the moment which is actually quite liberating. Another great thing that has come from this is the amount of time I’m spending with my family nowadays.

Looking out for each other

My parents and I are checking in on each other and helping each other deal with the current events. The main thing that’s a struggle for my parents, is not seeing other family members that they’d generally see weekly like other children and the grandchildren. (Keith, 24, pictured)

Shock of lockdown

One of the worst things about what’s going on right now for me is just the shock and speed of it all. Having to completely put some parts of life on hold all of a sudden does something to your mental health. It was scary to see all the shops packed, basically looking at the world shut down. Then hoping each day, the new number of cases doesn’t rise significantly.

I miss my college life, friends and lectures too and all my volunteer activities. I am a 4th year student and won’t get to experience another lecture again with my class, have the ‘Last time’ series or even collectively celebrate submitting our thesis.

Picture of Keith, Youth Volunteer with Jigsaw

Uncertainty about the future

The main thing that scares me is what will happen if either of my parents or other family members or I get sick. It’s scary when you see the situation in Italy or Spain and the amount of death, sadness and uncertainty, but what is comforting is seeing the people sing from their balconies, proving that we can still come together by staying apart. Overall, what scares me is essentially the future, which is different than before because I usually always look forward to the future. Still, they are similar in not knowing what’s going to happen.

Unfortunately, I have had some more panic attacks which I didn’t have since I was 15 (now 24), so it’s actually nice to review the old techniques I used back then while enjoying some components of lockdown.

End of college year

Thankfully, this all happened toward the end of the year, my lecturers have been extremely helpful with everything about assignments, exams and the thesis. Our lectures are all online now, which is another experience. I think although these circumstances are affecting everyone, some lecturers are struggling too with the absence of childcare facilities and potential caring duties. So as much as you probably want that assignment grade back, maybe try wait one more week.

Keith, 24

Jigsaw Volunteer

Throwing out my old routine, the old ways of doing things almost seems a bit liberating.

What helps me right now

I have found, mostly, exercise is highly beneficial. I used to jog every morning, but now I have had the time to properly put my physical ability forward for the sake of my mental and physical health. The other time, talking with friends, family about other things in life can provide a nice distraction from what is going on, without entirely ignoring the situation. Other than that, eating healthy, keeping fit, trying to stay productive without entirely stressing myself right now is where I’m at.

Throwing out my old routine, the old ways of doing things almost seems a bit liberating.

I decided a year ago to write a book and was getting so into it before I went back to college. Now, I actually might have the time to write something but no spoilers as of now.

This too shall pass

I am going to the shops when we need to as both my parents might be in the ‘at risk’ category during these times. I’m trying to keep them occupied as well as myself while trying to keep my asthma at bay. I am in the ‘at risk’ category too so I may not be able to help as much as I used to in the community but I am trying to online.

I’m checking in with some college friends, family members who may be at risk too. We always say how difficult these times are, more so in other areas, countries and families, but as much as everything else in life, this is only temporary