SDHC On Protecting Mental Health During Pandemic
April 29, 2020
Logo of the Stone County Health Department.
The Covid-19 pandemic may have caused individuals who suffer from mental health concerns increased stress and feelings of anxiety or depression. However, some people, who have never had any issues prior to this are suddenly finding themselves feeling down, filled with anxiety or maybe even worrying constantly about the pandemic and its’ effect on their life and the community. Some have even described themselves as constantly feeling “blah”. The anxiety of the pandemic may be coupled with financial concerns as well, as many are not working during this time. If these are brand new emotions and feelings, individuals may not have developed healthy coping mechanisms and could be struggling with how to manage the stress of the situation. There are some things to do, if you or a loved one are feeling this way and want to take some positive action.
This is a brand-new experience for many and it’s important to understand that everyone copes differently with stress so there really is no one size solution for all. The Centers for Disease Control recommends several ways you can try to alleviate stressful emotions:
Take breaks from media, whether it’s the nightly news or Facebook. The constant barrage of bad news takes a toll on our mental health.
Take care of your body; eat healthy meals, exercise, get plenty of sleep. If you can keep your normal daily routine, do so. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Take a walk and get some fresh air. Engage in mentally challenging activities such as cross word puzzles or other games.
Find other activities you enjoy rather than staying planted in front of the television or computer all day. Read a book, work on a hobby, take an online course, research a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about or even write a letter to a friend or loved one.
Connect with others. Call, text or email someone. It’s important to make those connections, especially if you are feeling isolated. Discuss your feelings and seek positive encouragement from others.
Most importantly, if you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed and can’t shake the feelings of sadness, gloom or anxiety, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Call your healthcare provider or reach out to the Stone County Health Department or visit us at www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com for information. It is important to remember that these feelings can be normal for this type of situation and it’s ok to ask for help. For additional resources: Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 1-800-985-5990 or the CDC website at cdc.gov.
This is a brand-new experience for many and it’s important to understand that everyone copes differently with stress so there really is no one size solution for all. The Centers for Disease Control recommends several ways you can try to alleviate stressful emotions:
Take breaks from media, whether it’s the nightly news or Facebook. The constant barrage of bad news takes a toll on our mental health.
Take care of your body; eat healthy meals, exercise, get plenty of sleep. If you can keep your normal daily routine, do so. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol. Take a walk and get some fresh air. Engage in mentally challenging activities such as cross word puzzles or other games.
Find other activities you enjoy rather than staying planted in front of the television or computer all day. Read a book, work on a hobby, take an online course, research a topic you’ve always wanted to know more about or even write a letter to a friend or loved one.
Connect with others. Call, text or email someone. It’s important to make those connections, especially if you are feeling isolated. Discuss your feelings and seek positive encouragement from others.
Most importantly, if you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed and can’t shake the feelings of sadness, gloom or anxiety, it may be time to seek help from a professional. Call your healthcare provider or reach out to the Stone County Health Department or visit us at www.stonecountyhealthdepartment.com for information. It is important to remember that these feelings can be normal for this type of situation and it’s ok to ask for help. For additional resources: Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 1-800-985-5990 or the CDC website at cdc.gov.