Coronavirus lockdown triggers return of panic attacks for young NI woman

A young NI woman has told of the increased anxiety she is experiencing during lockdown having worked hard to get herself into a positive space before Covid-19 arrived.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 19th May 2020, 13:09 BST
Updated 19th May 2020, 14:04 BST
Chloe Kydd, 23, has experienced increased anxiety during lockdownChloe Kydd, 23, has experienced increased anxiety during lockdown
Chloe Kydd, 23, has experienced increased anxiety during lockdown

Having experienced a number of setbacks in her life Chloe Kydd, a 23-year-old from Belfast, said she was in a good place with her mental health at the start of this year.

However since the coronavirus pandemic began she has experienced panic attacks.

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It comes as The Prince’s Trust revealed that over 47% of young people in Northern Ireland say their anxiety levels have increased due to the coronavirus crisis.

Chloe told her story: “A few years ago my anxiety was so bad that I couldn’t go to the shops by myself or answer the door. I felt like my life had passed me by and I’d forgotten who I was.

“I got involved in a programme with other young people through The Prince’s Trust and that helped me to discover who I was again. I grew in confidence and even got a job in retail.”

Chloe’s job ended in January and she was about to start volunteering to gain experience that would help achieve her goal of becoming a youth worker. Those plans are now on hold.

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She said: “Even before lockdown, when the coronavirus started being talked about I began to feel really anxious and worry about things I didn’t need to. I started to have two or three panic attacks a day and felt like I was having heart palpitations.”

Following doctor’s advice she applies coping techniques to change her mindset when she feels nervous. She also has a weekly call with other young people from The Prince’s Trust to ease her worries.

She said: “Young people thrive on seeing their friends and family and if they can’t see them and are stuck in the house anxiety will kick in. I think a lot of people’s mental health will have deteriorated during lockdown and will continue to as they come to terms with the changes that are going to be in place for a long time to come.”

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Related topics:Covid-19Northern IrelandBelfast