2020 was a lot, to say the least. From the tragic events happening around the world, to the pandemic and multiple lockdowns. 2020 tested us in a way we couldn’t have anticipated. With thousands of deaths across the UK, so many, have lost loved ones and struggled alone. Others have been working on the front lines throughout, with no respite. Thousands that were high risk were asked to shield and stay home with no interactions with others for months.
The whole year has been uncertain. From businesses being unsure if they will manage through another day, to employees being told to work from home or losing their jobs. Regardless of your lifestyle or age, 2020 has been intense. Students across the UK had 6 months out of school and are now expected to preform as usual.
No matter how you struggled, ultimately, 2020 was difficult for us all. We’ve been tested both physically and mentally and we all lost a part of our lives. Yes, we learnt a lot and many of us took this as an opportunity to connect with loved ones and start new projects but regardless, it’s okay to acknowledge how hard it has been.
The new year is usually marketed as an opportunity for reflection and change and can be a lot to deal with at the best of times but for many, it can be a source of hope. This year is different. Many are fighting the virus or staying home to stay safe. The rules across England are constantly changing so various cities and towns have just entered a new Tier. With the COVID related data being similar to the peak earlier in the year the idea of a national lockdown seems very much possible and inevitably brings up a lot of memories and anxiety. To add to it, the Brexit conversation has finally progressed and we’re leaving the EU.
If I’m honest I’m exhausted, I think we all are. I don’t want to hear or talk about it anymore but the news is everywhere and it’s getting harder and harder to have hope.
To end the year on more of a positive note rather than continue telling you about all 2020 stole from us, I wanted to share some of the progress we have made around the world:
- We began fundamental conversations about the realities of the ongoing institutional racism and realities of being black. People around the world marched for change. Many that were not aware of the awful realities of how embedded racism were educated on how to actively change behaviours and be an ally. Many companies are making an effort to ensure they are being inclusive with representation from all races.
- 2 Covid vaccines have been approved with promising results. Vaccinations are being administered across the UK.
- Scotland became the first country to provide free sanitary products
- Finland gave Dad’s the same parental leave as mums
- Africa was has had no cases of wild polio for four years!
- The government announced blood donation rules for gay and bisexual men will be relaxed
- Jobs and education became slightly more accessible (Whilst it should have been an option sooner) the opportunity to work and study from home
- Crayola launched a new box of crayons to ensure they are inclusive of all skin colours to allow children to draw themselves accurately (as a brown women I know I never quite understood why there was no colour that matched my skin).
To whoever is reading this know that you making it through 2020 is enough. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t get much done. Know that whilst you maybe struggling to find hope for the year ahead, we will get there. The new year doesn’t have to be an intense change. Instead take each day as it comes and know that you matter.
Check out some of the New Years resolutions you should avoid here
Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. You can call a free helpline including:
Samaritans – for everyone Call 116 123. [email protected]
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – dedicated to supporting to men. Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day. Visit the web chat page
Papyrus – for people under 35. Call 0800 068 41 41 – 9am to midnight every day
Text 07860 039967 [email protected]
Child line – for children and young people under 19. Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill
YoungMinds 0800 018 2138
No Panic 0844 967 4848
SANE 0300 304 7000
Get Connected 0808 808 4994
