Alexander's Story

Alexander has been living with anxiety most of his life, and this had only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was supported by our wonderful InTouch team member, Sue, where he expressed to her that he was scared of dying and was feeling worse due to the imminent longer nights.

Alexander, 66 years old, has been living on his own for a while was referred to our Emotional Support Team, by a local Mental Health Worker.

He has been living with anxiety most of his life, and this had only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was supported by our wonderful InTouch team member, Sue, where he expressed to her that he was scared of dying and was feeling worse due to the imminent longer nights.

Sue worked with him to figure out his current daily life pattern, and let him share what he was feeling in that moment. Together they explored ‘mindfulness’, through breathing techniques and taking walks around his local area. When Sue spoke to Alexander next, he said: “My neighbour can no longer do my shopping for me and I am a bit nervous to leave my house and do it on my own.”

Sue suggested that, since Alexander enjoyed his walks, maybe he could expand these by going into a local shop and buying a few items of food.
He said: “The short walks I have achieved have given me a sense of feeling confident, and that I can do this. I haven’t been able to leave the house since February and the calls to you have given me the self-respect to get up and go.”