For many people coming out of lockdown is not a choice. Across the country people are being called to return to work and the prospect of returning carries with it a need to weigh up the potential safety risks, with the need to earn money, restart the economy or provide service to others.  

People may have a lot of mixed feelings about returning to work – it may be exciting and something they’ve wished for or they may be angry that they are being forced back too fast. They may be worried about public transport and social distancing on the job. They may be or angry or frustrated with their employers, or at the guidelines available from government for their industry. It may be that the circumstances of their work cause them anxiety or frustration– especially if other people’s choices or behaviours increases their risk of catching the virus.  

As with any period of intense and unrelieved stress, when the stress is lifted, there is sometimes an impact on physical or mental health. It’s possible that as lockdown eases, people may realise how hard it has been and may get unwell, or feel low.