Since the beginning of 2020, the entire world is battling the COVID-19 pandemic. It has affected every aspect of our lives and changed the way we look at the world. While the number of corona patients is on the rise, it is taking a major toll on the mental, physical, emotional, and financial health of people worldwide.
According to the data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 out of every 5 adults in the US was suffering from mental health challenges before the pandemic. However, the recent surveys conducted by the American Psychological Association have shown that there is a drastic rise in the number of American adults who are facing mental health complications such as anxiety, depression, and stress during the pandemic.
Almost everyone is experiencing some or other new challenges because of the pandemic. Whether it is about maintaining quarantining measures, financial stress, balancing work and home, or new social norms, all of these new ways of life are absolutely overwhelming.
There is indeed a chaotic situation out there and we all need easy ways to deal with the uncertainty. That said, mental health is one of the most important factors to look for as it has a direct connection with our overall quality of life.
So, how to improve mental health while navigating through this pandemic? We discuss some crucial strategies you can try. But before that, let us first understand how the pandemic can affect your mental health.
Effects of Bad Mental Health During Pandemic
Fear of Falling Sick
Be it about yourself, your family member, friends, or colleagues, escaping from the fear of getting infected by the coronavirus is nearly impossible. This fear often leads to other mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, etc. It can also cause sleep problems, loss of appetite, and inability to deal well with life.
Financial Worries
Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic or at least cannot go to work because of frequent lockdowns. Even if they have a home to live in, there are still many uncertainties about employment. Mentally weak people can suffer a lot because of such job-related stressors and eventually fall prey to other severe mental health complications.
Emotional Fallout of Social Distancing
Staying locked inside the home can eliminate the fear of getting infected by the virus. However, social distancing has its own downsides. Isolation separates you from your loved ones and their support. This can be very depressing, especially for those with weak mental health. Even if you live with your family, prolonged isolation can trigger feelings of anxiety, sadness, and loneliness in people. Some people may find that spending the entire day with family members is challenging and stressful, even if they love them.
Ways To Improve Your Mental Health
Be Supportive Towards Others And Educate Yourself
Recognizing the mental health complications is not that easy, especially when you are a parent or caregiver. You have to educate yourself on the most common symptoms of mental health issues to decide if professional help is necessary for you or someone you love. With proper knowledge, you can help yourself or your loved ones to overcome mental health conditions.
Know What Resources You Have
Everyone is battling their own battle with this situation. Certain people like frontline health professionals, recovering addicts, active addicts may experience fairly higher levels of stress due to the pandemic.
If you are one of them, keep in mind that you are not alone and help is always available. Whether you need holistic treatments or professional assistance, our orange county mental health experts can help you.
Be it substance abuse support or relapse prevention techniques, you need a comprehensive health care plan that includes both behavioral and mental health services.
Learn The Daily Self-Care Methods
Over the past year, people have given a lot of attention to self-care. Many are taking out the time for activities that encourage emotional, physical, and mental health.
If you are not sure where to start, try adapting the below-mentioned self-care methods to improve your mental and physical health.
- Control your exposure to news
- Regulate your sleep
- Eat nutrition-rich food
- Exercise regularly
- Watch your screen time
- Practice mindfulness
- Connect with others virtually
- Keep a daily journal
- Do something you like
Final Words
COVID-19 Pandemic has caused many people to work from home. This has severely blurred the lines between work life and home life. Furthermore, people with a history of depression, substance addiction, anxiety are at more risk of affected mental health during the pandemic.
Overall, all need to take care of mental health during this uncertain time to leave a positive impact on every facet of emotional, physical, and mental health.