The Blemished Rose

Throughout these changing times, many people have been subjected to a variety of emotions and experiences that may have had a big impact on their mental health. However, I feel that some people forget or perhaps just don’t understand the additional effects that abuse survivors may have felt during these uncertain times. During lockdown, I noticed behavioural changes in people - some good and some downright shocking. I feel that what perturbed me the most was people’s reactions to others not wearing masks and the instant judgement that was made in terms of non mask wearers ‘doing wrong.’ But it would appear that these reactive people failed to see beyond the mask and the reality of what some people face every day as a result of mental illness or inner struggles. The UK government stated that one didn’t need to wear a mask if you “cannot put on, wear, or remove a face covering without severe distress” or “because of a mental or physical illness.” But I don’t believe that the governm...

During the coronavirus crisis, governments across the world have provided information to the public that many have believed. However, while some have acquiesced, others have questioned the evidence of the efficacy of imposing restrictions such as mask wearing and lockdowns. In the UK, the obedience of some citizens is likely to be a result of the covert psychological strategies that were suggested by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza group on Behaviour (SPI-B). SPI-B produced a document on 22 March 2020 in preparation for a SAGE meeting the next day. This question was addressed: “What are the options for increasing adherence to the social distancing measures?” The suggestions given are disturbing and extremely aggressive with recommendations that fear levels are increased in order to make people comply. “The perceived level of threat needs to be increased among those who are complacent, using hard-hitting emotional messaging.” They also recommend that media is used “to increase ...