Worse still are the mental health effects of boredom, frustration, isolation and touch deprivation. Weddings have been postponed, funerals have been unattended, travelling anywhere is often more hassle than its worth.

Scam artists have sunk to new lows, taking advantage of the most vulnerable and afraid.

Governments seem shocked that after easing lockdowns, the infection rate has risen… How can that be a surprise?

The Scots have already been told to prepare for a digital Christmas, what is that exactly? Does it involve a virtual turkey? As England emerges from a second lockdown, how different will it be for us?

It appears that restrictions across the whole UK will be relaxed for the festive period but mainly because most people would ignore it if that were not the case. What happens in January when the effects of that show through in the infection rate?

Those alone or single are even more isolated, now with the absence of even the opportunity to socialise and meet people. Gyms and bars are closed, clubs, lectures, meetings, are conducted over webcam, even meeting with family and friends seems to have become a privilege rather than something we could take for granted.

Cases of depression are rising exponentially (unsurprisingly) and I am anticipating a major increase in the number of OCD cases I treat over the intermediate-term. When I ask my 4-year-old step-daughter what she did at school today, her answer is invariably “washed my hand's lots”. Not only will this way of living lead to more cases of OCD, but it will also exacerbate many of the existing ones.

Realistically until an effective vaccine is in widespread circulation, there is little possibility of a return to anything approaching “normal”. Fortunately, however, such vaccines are now on the horizon and by all accounts will be rolled out extensively by the Spring.

One must also be mindful that “emergency measures” introduced during such times have a habit of sticking around, income tax was introduced in 1799 by William Pitt the younger as an emergency measure to fund the Napoleonic wars…. 221 years later we are still paying it….

On the upside, there have been some positive repercussions from this pandemic and it is crucial to our mental health to remember that.

People who otherwise, would never have embraced technology (particularly the older generations) have been forced to do so. Medical, educational and even therapeutic needs are being met more frequently online and thankfully Brexit been all but forgotten.

Perhaps most importantly we have all been forced to slow down and given a gift of time. We are now far more likely to stay in contact with those whom distance had made us lose touch, and we have all been reminded that as humans we are vulnerable to Mother Nature and all in this together!

Keep safe and God bless.