Table 6.

Illustrative data extract for Theme 2: Living with uncertainty.

Ambiguity and changes to guidelines

‘There were written articles online, but every single one contradicted each other and the rules were never consistent. It made me extremely anxious, angry and worried that I weren’t following the correct procedures and rules, and that I might get in trouble by the police if I went outside for any reason. So I completely isolated myself in my house because I was too scared to get in trouble. This was very hard on my mental health’ (110). ‘It takes a lot out of my mental energy and adds to my cognitive load because I am always on edge and alert trying to figure out what the next thing to do is, or what the right thing to do’ (9). ‘Having to think extra things when I have had to go out (executive functioning) about protective measures like hand washing, not touching my face, taking hand sanitiser with me, keeping two metres apart from others can be tiring’ (39). ‘I am very distressed by people getting more lax about social distancing outdoors, even though I don’t feel I’m at high risk from COVID-19. I’m more upset that people aren’t doing what they should be which makes me anxious and upset’ (90).

Uncertainty for the future and long-term of COVID-19

‘I am fearful of how I will cope when I need to return to work due to the amount that will have changed. It will be difficult to manage and I don’t cope with change well’ (135). ‘I don’t know if people will see my degree as lesser due to finishing online or if I will be able to find any good employment afterwards [. . .] I wonder if it’s even worthwhile trying anymore’ (56).