Coping with mental health during Covid-19: Interviewing Andy Cambridge

The effects of Mental Health from COVID-19 have not yet been addressed and experts are anticipating global adverse effects including:

• Heightened stress and anxiety
• Isolation & loneliness
• Blurring of the boundaries between life & work
• Restricted access to medical help
• Uncertainty around the future

We interviewed Instagram Influencer, Andy Cambridge to find out more about his mental health journey and some of the coping mechanisms he has used during the self isolation period to keep his mind intact.

Have you suffered from mental health issues before?

Yes, in 2017, I went on a TV show called Make or Break aired on channel 5 and then ended up losing my graduate job because of it. This took a big toll on me and I started going into a negative spiral where I would sit in the house and lay in bed all day. I got to the point where I wasn’t enjoying life anymore and I lost all motivation to do anything. This unfortunately lasted for over 6 months and I felt really low as I thought I had messed my entire life up.

Did you seek help?

No, but I would have if things were available, I thought the only solution was the NHS but the long waiting list put me off. If there was something out there back then like MYNDUP that offered  1-1 video sessions with a qualified professional then I would have used it.

Has social media affected your mental health?

Absolutely, I had a period of a year where I didn’t post anything on Instagram and I fell out of love with it as it was bringing no positive impact to my mental health.

What solutions have you had during COVID?

I am very conscious of not slipping back into the previous negative state that I experienced and to do this I now:

Dress for the occasion: Don't just sit in bed in your underwear or PJ’s all day, set up your work in a separate room and put on your work clothes. I put on my shirt and trousers each day which gets me into the right work mode mindset where I am focused and ready to complete some tasks.

Do Home Workouts: I get changed into my gym gear and do home workouts everyday which helps to release endorphins and keeps me in shape both physically and mentally. Many of the big fitness Instagram influencers are posting home workout videos with no equipment at all and go and check those out, make sure to make use the garden for squats, lunges and running on the spot. All that matters is getting the blood pumping and getting outside to do this is best.

Undertake Goal Setting: Setting goals helps me to focus on positive things in the future and gives me something look forward to and aim for. I like to set myself a main goal and then break that down into smaller milestones along the way that I can achieve each day or week.

For example I have also wanted to set up my own business and because I have more spare time now, I dedicate that to researching potential ideas and sectors I want to get into. It is important to take advantage of this time where you don't have to travel to and from work. I would say that you should focus on something you are passionate about.

Spend Time Outside: Getting outside and getting some fresh air does the world of good. I usually sit in the garden, listening to music or go on a walk and of course exercise outside when I can.

Take a Break From Drinking: If you wanted to take a much needed break from drinking and partying, then this is the perfect time. I won’t be drinking at all during this time as I usually drink to socialise and I am happy giving his body a much needed break and detox.

Follow Andy on Instagram @andycambridgio