I will not dilute the depth of pain we feel when we lose someone. I’ve endured many bereavements and frankly, I struggle to accept and fully process my losses. I’ve simply learnt to carry the pain differently, much like shifting it about my person, as though carrying a bag of stones.

We still owe it to ourselves to find the strength to carry on with our lives and it is harder to do so when we feel isolated.

Whether you’ve suffered actual losses or not, the feelings that you’re experiencing in this uncertain era emulate actual grief: the “loss” of routine, work, and friendships being just some aspects of your “old” regular life that have altered dramatically over this last year.

Coupled with so many changes in our society, and the worry we feel about the future, you could be “grieving” for your “old” life: when you could pop over to your parents’ houses, with no second thought, or meet up with friends for dinner, banter and giggles.

To simply have the opportunity to talk through your problems in person with those close to your heart now feels like a luxury!

Whilst we have little control over government lockdowns and restrictions, and we are wise to adhere to them, these feelings of grief only get exacerbated all the time you are trying to soldier on without being kind about those feelings.

In short, and although it’s tempting to surrender your soul to live reclusively, it’s vital to your mental wellbeing to still keep in touch with those close to you. Social media or video calling may not feel the same, and you can’t enjoy the fun of a family meal, but you can, and deserve, to keep your communications regular with your inner circle.

Actually, when you do, you’ll find that most people are feeling the same as you – and that in itself is comforting.