I am happy that other people are forced to stay indoors and self isolate. And that generally people are scared to get close to others, unless you are a selfish ignoramus who purposefully chooses to not abide by guidelines, such as masks, keeping a distance from non-household bubbles and for travelling unnecessarily across borders.

I choose to use those words because it has been nearly one year since my shielding Uncle has had a social visit. He has been stuck in self-isolation because he is a high risk patient. I miss my only positive, male role-model who is my father-like figure. So naturally, when I see Covid cases rising, I get angry. I would happily shut down the whole country except for essential services to get this friggin disease under control. Anyway, I digress.

Being forced to stay inside and self isolate is horrible. You are limited to what you can do, where you can go, what you can see and far too much time to think. Guess what …

Welcome to my world! And the world of other social anxiety and depression sufferers.

Imagine living like that for ten years! But at least, you have some limited choice. Anxiety and depression sufferers don’t, because our brains disconnect with our bodies. Being unable to control crap like motivation, desire and ambition because all we can see is different shades of grey with the occasionally blacks, whites and yellows really sucks. If this is the first time you have felt like this, then join the club!

We have life-lines like the Samaritans and other mental health charities – save their numbers on your phone. Its sometimes easier talking to a stranger than your loved ones. But I really hope this year is an eye opener for a lot of people.

I remember, when I was 15, in Higher Chemistry, a bitchy girl said out loud, in my direction – that people who self harm or commit suicide and survive are attention seekers who are pathetic. And then something along the lines of, if someone was really that fed up, they would do a proper job. That was low given I was suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts so I barely talked to anyone about it. But thank goodness times have changed.

There is no need to suffer in silence. There is no shame in getting support. After all,

You can’t expect to walk on a broken leg.