6 Ways To Protect Your Mental Health During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought not just changes, but also issues with depression and anxiety. With uncertainty and social isolation on the rise, it’s easy to feel down, restless, and helpless about these tough times. There’s also the huge worry about how your family members are faring during this crisis.
In that case, there has to be a way to care for not just yourself, but also your family and friends. With that in mind, here are 6 tips on how you can protect your mental health during the pandemic:
Support Family And Friends Virtually
Many care homes won’t allow you to see loved ones due to pandemic restrictions.
Therefore, if family or friends need to be isolated at a care home, or if they get ill and have to be quarantined, it’s important to stay in touch with them, even if it’s virtually. You can make a call, video chat, or message them directly on social media.
Do Something For Others While Social Distancing
Sometimes, you’ll feel helpless knowing that you aren’t able to check on the welfare of your loved ones from a distance. Fortunately, you can still do things for them, even virtually. If an older relative can’t go out, call and ask them if there’s anything that they need (i.e. groceries, medications, etc.).
Prevent Feelings Of Loneliness
Feelings of loneliness are common. But understand that your loved ones may feel the same way too – you’re not alone.
Therefore, reach out to family and friends on a regular basis, even if it’s just a simple group text chat. Plus, never be ashamed to talk about your feelings.
Adapt
Let’s face it – Covid-19 is affecting everyone in the world; and people are forced to adapt to the changes proposed by national government and health organisations. With social distancing rules and regulations evident, it can be hard to travel, go to school, work or, at least, visit loved ones.
Since most of your activities you be at home, you should make the best of it. You can:
- Call or message people via social media, email, or phone
- Take care of yourself
- Exercise regularly
- Read or watch films
- Practise relaxation techniques
- Take up old and/or new hobbies.
Stay Informed
Even as Covid-19 is talked about every day, it’s important to stay informed from reputable sources such as research experts, national health bodies and the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, too much exposure to Covid-19 coverage – whether there are rumours and speculations – can be detrimental to your mental health. You may want to limit your exposure to such coverage, so that you can take your mind off of the pandemic for a while, and enjoy life.
Get Help When Needed
It’s not enough to simply put aside your feelings of depression and anxiety Ignoring your symptoms can make problems worse for you. So, if you feel that your mental health isn’t up to par, then it’s time to seek help. Depression and anxiety can’t be handled on one’s own.
Here’s how to get help right away:
- Call or text a close friend or relative. While it might seem hard to talk about your feelings, just take your time doing so
- Call a priest, spiritual leader, or someone of faith if that’s meaningful to you
- Check if your employer offers counselling, or gives referrals to a mental health programme
- Contact your primary care provider to set an appointment about your anxiety or depression. If desired, appointments can be virtual or over the phone.
If you’re experiencing suicidal feelings or tendencies, contact your primary care provider, or call one of the many dedicated helplines. In the UK that’s a free call to the Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) (or webchat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat).
Conclusion
So, you see, you don’t have to be alone in your feelings of depression and anxiety. It’s okay to talk about your feelings, because chances are, other people are feeling the same way too, including your family and friends.
Once you get the hang of things – and follow these 6 tips – you can overcome these tough challenges, stay connected with others, and keep your mental health in check.
Regina Wheeler is an eLearning consultant at Write my research paper and Dissertation writing service. She is also a contributing writer for Next Coursework. As a professional writer, she has been involved in many writing projects nationwide. As a blogger, she specialises in management, marketing, and finances.
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash
