COVID-19 and Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected not just our physical health but also our mental well-being. Fear and anxiety are two common reasons for depression amidst the pandemic.
The drastic public health actions, including but not limited to social distancing and lockdowns, have caused overwhelming emotional stress in both children and adults.
The feeling of being isolated and lonely increased the level of stress and anxiety, which drove some people to experience mental health crises, including depression. That is why we need to know how to care for our mental health during this global health crisis.
Mental Health Problems in Numbers
Since the implementation of social distancing in the Q1 of 2020, many people have become emotionally distressed. This led to a surge of calls and texts to emergency hotlines for people with emotional distress. It was reported that there was a significant increase in correspondence in April 2020. Similarly, online therapies spiked up to 65% during the pandemic, with the majority of the patients manifesting coronavirus-related anxiety.
The correlation of mental health issues and the pandemic are affirmed by experts, including Rory O’Connor, Professor of Health Psychology. The mental health expert even stated that the “increased social isolation, loneliness…economic downturn are a perfect storm to harm people’s mental health and well-being.”
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Most people are focused on their physical health during this pandemic and tend to overlook their mental health. You should not neglect the importance of mental health. Learn how to care for your mental health by following these strategies:
Stay Active
A healthy mind in a healthy body, “Mens sana in corpore sano,” should be observed in this pandemic. The Latin phrase reminds us that we should take care of our minds and bodies because they are connected.
One of the tested and proven methods in addressing both mental and physical issues is exercise. Amidst the lockdown and quarantine instructions, you should learn to be active through exercise, yoga sessions, or even meditation as a form of mental exercise.
Mental Intake Filters
Since the start of the pandemic, the majority of the news broadcasted online is negative. If you wish to safeguard your mental health, you should learn to balance your mental intake.
Give yourself time to unplug and focus on things that are positive, uplifting, and soothing to the mind. As much as possible, avoid unnecessary negative news or vibes.
Learn New Things
To help you avoid negative news and information, you should learn new things. If you are able to go out, you can start enrolling yourself in self-improvement classes such as piano, dance, and voice lessons.
Investing in yourself during the pandemic via self-improvement classes will not only improve your mental health, but it will surely boost your confidence.
Self-care Matters
During this pandemic, caring for others is critical. However, caring for your mental health is important. Never neglect your mental health during this pandemic. With that in mind, if you are having some mental health issues, better ask for professional help immediately.
