I am doing Sudoku while I watch nothing but box sets. When I’m not doing that I am re-reading Sweet Valley High books from my youth (literally those. Nothing from beyond 1987, when my school craze ended as suddenly as it had begun). I stay in bed as long as possible (which is a long time, given that my job is typing and I can type anywhere).

These are all things I do to try and make myself feel better when I am stressed, unhappy or feeling vulnerable. I’ve never found myself pressing them all into service at the same time. Normally one or two will provide enough shelter from whatever storm is passing over me and then I pull myself together and get back to normal.

But this growing feeling I have of moving increasingly unprotected through the world will not be beaten back by my usual methods.

Feeling powerless? Don’t worry, we all are: Lucy Mangan on fighting a feeling of helplessness