Many are finding positives in the lockdown period

With the lockdown is set to continue for some weeks to come, a new survey* has revealed that many people are finding positives in the experience.

Data from the survey has revealed that over a third (37%) of Irish adults are finding self-isolation ‘enjoyable’ and are using the experience as an opportunity to get things done that they have been meaning to do for ages, while more than three in five of those questioned (63%) are considering upskilling via an online course during this period.

The research, conducted by DMG Media Ireland, showed that of those with children (20%) felt that being ble to spend this extra time with their families during this period of isolation was ‘great’.

A quarter of respondents were confident that as long as we, as a society, adhere to the regulations for social distancing and self-isolation, the Covid-19 crisis will be over ‘sooner rather than later’.

However, some respondents were understandably pessimistic, with many struggling to adapt to this new state of affairs.

Over half of Irish adults (55%) admit to checking the news for updates on the Covid-19 crisis on a daily basis, but almost one third (30%) conceded they were ‘constantly’ checking the news, constituting obsessive behaviour that perhaps adds to their anxiety.

Almost half of those surveyed (48%) revealed that they are unable to do their job from home, with 11% noting that they had recently been made unemployed as a result of the current crisis.

Just under one fifth (17%) stated that they are concerned to what degree their mental health would be impacted during self-isolation, with 15% fearing that, in the future, the social distancing regulation will become our new normal.

Of those who responded that were parents, the survey uncovered an additional layer of stress when it came to the lasting effects of this period on their children in terms of their education, their ability to interact socially and, ultimately, their general behaviour.

Almost a quarter (23%) admitted that they are struggling to juggle childcare and work, with 65% attempting home schooling to ensure that their children don’t fall behind in their education.

In order to keep their offspring occupied, over half of those that took the DMG Media Ireland survey (51%) confessed to purchasing extra toys/games during this period to keep their children entertained, whether online from toy stores or at the local supermarket.

Despite best efforts, 26% of the parents who participated in the survey were concerned that their children were lonely and were missing not seeing their friends during this time of self-isolation.

 

*The survey was completed by 770 Irish adults from a sample of 1.2 million unique EVOKE users per month.