Find out how lockdown affected local residents in Coventry - Jolene's story

We asked Coventry residents about how Covid-19 has affected people's lives, routine and mental health. Here is Jolene's story.
Women and young daughter sitting down at the park

Jolene* is a Coventry resident who has been told to self-shield for 12 weeks…………

What has been the hardest thing about it:

It was hard trying to balance work and caring for a toddler which felt like never having a break, especially when we weren’t allowed to see anyone. I felt extra pressure on myself that I had to prove I could do everything because I needed to work to keep me sane. Then I would feel I was letting my child down by not giving him my full attention, it definitely made me very self-conscious. I felt envious of people who got to go outside and even do their own shopping as I hated asking others to do it for me and giving them extra to do. I just kept thinking at least we are all safe and well so we are lucky.

What has worked better than you thought:

I think I coped well staying home and not going out for so long. I only had a few bad days where it got too much but I made it through them so that’s positive. Also it helped save money.

*name has been changed

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, people are more understanding than you think