This is the raw truth of the Coronavirus situation that many people can relate to, with topics such as Covid-19, depression, suicide and mental health.

In the UK, there are, at the time of going to press, 51,608 coronavirus cases and 6,227 deaths.

Every day these numbers are increasing. Everyone’s focus is set on these facts, yet is anyone considering close to 800,000 people commit suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds.

In the space of you reading this, at least 10 people have taken their own lives.The harsh reality is we crave human interaction.

It is our basic natural instincts to feel loved and receive human contact.

Every time you get on public transport, walk the dog or somebody smiles at you and your pet, or simply holds the door open for another, these small minor interactions can be the difference between life and death.

The current situation has become an international travesty and will have huge ripples to repair, once we eventually return to normality. Yet, for many, there won’t be a normality to go back to.

We naturally gravitate to negatives.

It is with help from others, and determination of one’s conscience, that we will get through this together. For those of you who are safe and well, may this remain.

And to all those poorly or struggling with mental health, I beg you to know that you are not alone.

I have found this time to be a unique experience. I always considered myself to be someone who enjoyed my own company rather than being surrounded by many. But how wrong I was.

I did not realise the impact of my routine and how I spent my time. I have always had a strenuous job role — managerial in some form — and I always had to think for five different people at any one time, and be 10 steps ahead of anyone, including myself.

Maybe this was why, in my downtime, I wanted to be selfish and isolate. Now that it has been stripped away from me and my only time is downtime, I truly understand the meaning of those small interactions and the clear impact it had on me as a person.

I thankfully have a beautiful Cavalier King Charles puppy, who has provided me with a routine and a well-deserved distraction from all of the above.

For those who aren’t as fortunate, find what distracts you, be it taking a bath, cleaning the house, reading, colouring, exercising or using Facetime with friends and family.

Staying occupied is key and finding strength within yourself to know who you truly are has never been more important.

I am not a medical professional or therapist. I am a human, like you.

I, too, have good days and bad days, but you know what, that is okay.

Never forget that it is okay not to be okay. Everybody deals with trauma and hurt differently and that’s what makes us unique, and that is actually pretty amazing.

You might not always want to talk to family and friends, and put a burden on them with your personal issues.

But please know that there are so many charities out there designed to lend you an open ear and a shoulder to cry on whenever needed, such as Samaritans, Mental Health Foundation, Nightline Association, Beat and YoungMinds.

Please know that you are loved and you do matter.

If you’re feeling alone, or feel that no one will understand how you are feeling, I’ve never been more proud to tell you that you are wrong. I will always be available —please feel free to contact me on Facebook.

The only way we will get through this is if we stick together and support each other.

One day we will look back on this and remember how strong we were, determined and focused to regain what we each call normality.

Stay safe and stay in contact with loved ones. Remember to check in on each other and remind each other how truly beautiful you all are.

I hope by reading my story you take comfort in knowing you are not alone.

Please remember there are 24 hours in a day. How you utilise the time within that makes the difference. It’s okay not be okay.

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