Vicky Pattison has found self-isolating amid the coronavirus pandemic "tough and frightening".
The 32-year-old television personality has hit out at those on social media who seem to be having the time of their lives during the global health crisis – which has seen people forced to stay inside in order to stop the spread of the illness – as she says she’s struggled to make it through the past few months.
Alongside a picture of herself looking miserable, she wrote on Instagram: "Let’s get real about isolation for a second… It would be dead easy for me to hide behind contrived smiley pictures, edited glossy images and funny memes and fool everyone into thinking that I was ok… That I’d found this last couple months a walk in the park and armed with nothing but my sunny disposition and ‘can do’ attitude I’d not wobbled at all throughout..
"But then I’d be lying. And quite frankly I don’t think I’d be human. So this is the truth, I’ve found this entire experience tough, frightening at times and even lonely.
And I’m sure I’m not alone- I can’t possibly be?! But after a quick scroll through social media, I’d be forgiven for thinking I was. (sic)"
The former ‘Geordie Shore’ star then bemoaned those who have taken up new skills with their time at home, and insisted the pandemic is "not a productivity contest", as she urged others not to feel bad if they haven’t achieved as much as their friends on social media.
She continued: "All I see is a mass of transformation pics, grinning families, proud bakers & smug yogis who now thanks to the extra time on their hands are fluent in Dutch, can play the cello & are learning to grow their own basil (I mean, You just plant it the ground & let nature do the rest Rachel I’m not sure this is a worthy insta brag but whatever hun)
"Can I just say, if you are one of these people- good for you! You’re smashing it, seriously well done (I said that through gritted teeth btw)- but if you’re not?? (Aka ME!) then please don’t worry & don’t beat yourself up.
"This is a global pandemic- not a productivity contest. If all you manage to do some days is move from your bed to the sofa, or make sure the kids are ok, or brush your hair, or you managed to get through a day without crying- then that’s ok! In fact, that’s a win!!
"This situation we’re all in is uncomfortable & hard enough without comparing ourselves to the supposed perfect lockdown lives of those on social media. So don’t do it to yourself- allow yourself sofa days, let yourself have that moan, ugly cry into that bottle of wine- do whatever makes you feel that little bit better. (sic)"
Vicky ended her lengthy post by promoting her podcast, ‘Vicky Pattison: The Secret To’, as the latest episode sees her discuss the impact isolation has had on her.
She wrote: "In this week’s podcast I talk about the Low’s of Lockdown & share some tips on how I’ve been dealing with life in isolation- (spoiler alert: there’s a lot of gin involved) So if you want to listen, and know that you aren’t alone, then the link is in my bio.
"Vicky Pattison The Secret to: Surviving the Lows of Lockdown is available to listen NOW. (sic)"