A Newtown county councillor has opened up to life during the current pandemic with an online diary.
According to psychiatrists writing a journal or diary is a good way of managing stress, anxiety and depression.
Many people are now writing about their experience in lockdown during this chaotic period as a way of trying to make sense of the situation.
These days, writing with paper and pen seems old-fashioned and many people have taken to writing blogs online.
Cllr Joy Jones, who is also the council’s poverty champion, has been recording her daily life to help others.
Friends and Facebook followers will now know that Joy is exercising in a gym built by her husband, Roy.
Her beloved dogs, Cwpa and Jewel are still getting up to mischief and the latest news from her children and grandchildren.
Joy has also descirbed the sense of exhilaration of just going out for a walk.
There have also been grittier moment where she describes wobbles and periods of anxiety that many readers will be able to relate to,
Joy explained: “I have a son with health issues and I don’t want coronavirus to spread to him.
“I am still out when needs be but am following the rules so not self isolating but don’t go anywhere if I don’t need to.”
On the Facebook diary, Joy added: “We can all do something to help each other, I started writing as we are all scared and in the same boat.
“We can do things every day to help ourselves and others.
“I suppose by sharing my life, thoughts and feelings while we are told to stay at home I believe I am doing that.”
“I didn’t think people would be that interested, but I’ve received messages that people love it.
“I just hope they don’t think I’m too mad.”
Some extracts from her diary include:
Day 4 – March 27
“This is beginning to get to many people including myself.
“Today is the first day I couldn’t see a way forward.
“I have heard so many stories and listened to people in distress and struggling as they are afraid.
“I allowed it to get to me.
“To be honest I will be glad to go to sleep tonight then I can’t think about all this uncertainty and upset that is causing fear.”
Day 5 – March 28
“Well I’m writing this a bit earlier today.”
“First I would like to thank everyone for all the kind messages and all those who has been in touch to make sure I was okay after my meltdown yesterday.
“Today I realised there nothing I can do to change what’s happening or make it all alright but I can continue to help people who ask for support and spread a little kindness when and wherever I can.
Day 9 – April Fool’s Day
“The best trick I saw this morning was parents that had told their children it was back to school there they were all dress in their uniforms ready to leave.
“They didn’t look too happy in the photo they realised they have been tricked!”
Dr Deborah Morgan, who specialises in loneliness and isolation said: “You need to find ways of keeping yourself occupied, writing a blog is a great way of getting rid of those feelings and putting something out there that can help other people.”
Photo: Cllr Joy Jones
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service