A regular health and lifestyle column from Corinne Yeadon, of the Being Better private therapy practice based in Newmarket Street, Skipton

THE relaxation of lockdown, social distancing and shielding may provide some indication of a return to a kind of normality, however feelings of unsafety prevail for vulnerable individuals who have been housebound for the duration.

I do not refer to the time spent shielding my vulnerable daughter as being “trapped” but as “protecting her and keeping her safe".

The current changes have activated levels of anxiety within her, rather than embracing some level of freedom. Baby steps are the way forward.

The changes and revised government guidelines have been ambiguous throughout, there has been conflicting information from health professionals which creates confusion and feelings of unsafety.

It also lends itself to searching for information that is comfortable for us.

It is easy to cast opinion on the actions of others as “flouting rules” however if instructions do not feel rooted in logic or reason, it is understandable that people may elect to engage in actions that circumvent regulations.

Trust and faith in people in positions of power and trust has wavered when behaviours appear to oppose direction being given.

This intense, restricted environment can also trigger amplified emotional responses within us, which are understandable but not entirely helpful to our emotional wellbeing and coping strategies.

Comparisons to other countries and the benefit of hindsight may provide some perspective but doesn’t alter the position we are in right now.

There is much speculation about ‘a second spike’ which needs guarding against but can provoke anxiety of something that has yet to happen.

The reality is there is no one expert to provide concrete information and guidance.

We can only respond to the information we are provided with, be responsible for ourselves and work with what is in our control.

Equally there is no benefit in policing the actions of others even if they are completely conflicting with our own.