Claire Morgan 17/03/2022 Member StoriesNews

I’m with me bestie Katy today. We’ve been friends for 17 years and we spend a lot of time together.

It’s good that we can do sleepovers again. We spend part of the week at mine and part of the week at hers.

I must say it’s amazing to be back out and about seeing people again. First thing I did when lockdown ended was go out to see my friends. I’ve had my 3 Covid jabs but I still do a Covid test every morning before I go out, just to be safe.

I spent a few days at my fiancé’s last week. We’ve been together for 7 years and engaged for about 3 years. We didn’t see each other at all through lockdown, just spoke on the phone. That was tough.

Before the lockdowns I don’t think I had any mental health issues. I’m generally a happy person. Lockdown hit me hard though, and I would cry a lot and have lots of meltdowns. There were times when my mental health felt so bad I’d describe it as suicidal.

Katy hates hearing me say that so she’s covering her ears.

Thankfully I had family around me to help as best they could.

I still get really low even though lockdown has ended but I feel like I’m getting better as time goes on.

I’ve got a busy day today. Every day seems like a busy one, I’m always doing something on Zoom or out and about attending groups with friends. I’m definitely a social butterfly and not at all Zoomed out!

We’ve got a movie night with the group later.

Earlier this week I went to dance and drama. We’re working on a Grease production with drama group. I’m playing the part of Frenchie. I’ve got to wear a pink wig!

I love this picture of me and Tracey Drew from All Wales People First. It was great to meet Tracey and Gerraint at the SATV roadshow a few weeks ago!