Don’t forget your mental health trying to take care of your physical and financial health.
“There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in” ― Leonard Cohen.
Right now, many people are breaking in some way or another. We have been touched by either one or more of these losses during the pandemic, loss of freedom, loss of income and loss of loved ones. Even the best of us can feel our mental health cracking. But Leonard Cohen said it best, “that’s how the light gets in.”
We are forced to dig up on inner strengths that we never knew we had. So many things have been taken from us already. Let us ensure that we do not lose our minds. It has already been over a year since the pandemic started without any sign of an end.
Here are a five ways to try and take care of your mental health:
Limit the Amount of News You consume: I am by no means telling you not to watch the news. We must be aware of what is going on. But if you find yourself struggling with anxiety or sadness due to all that is happening around you, you need to limit your consumption. Moving from news to podcasts to articles to radio broadcast about COVID can let you feel completely overwhelmed.
I have cut down on this as well. My mom would call me and tell me the statistics for the day, and I had to say to her that when I speak to her, I want to hear everything but COVID. It was peeking my anxiety, and I still struggle to sleep. There are moments that my very emotions consumed me in a way that I barely recognised myself. Something had to give. So I limit myself to one or two briefings and move along with my daily tasks.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America website gives tips on keeping up to date while monitoring one’s anxiety.
Keep in Touch: Human contact is essential. We are not born to be alone. With COVID-19, having to quarantine and social distancing, we have a new way of life to become accustomed to. You do not have to be a party animal to be at a loss. Feeling like prisoners in your own home is normal, especially if you live alone.
According to a Tulane University article, “Loneliness and depression can go hand in hand with anxiety and fear about the dangers associated with the event that made physical distancing measures necessary.”
So remember to check on your single friends that live alone. Check on your friends in general. Skype them, zoom them so that you can see their faces and remember what laughter looks like on their faces. Do not forget to keep in touch with each other. You have to keep social distance, but it doesn’t mean you should be emotionally distant from your friends.
Journal: I am not the greatest at journaling each day. Part of the reason why I have a guided journal that prompts me with questions and scenarios. But when I am overcome with emotions, my actual journal with blank leaves helps me best. You might not want to talk about it because you feel like you are forever complaining about things that you have not and cannot change. But being honest with your emotions is the first sign of moving on with them. You might find that you have a sense of relief. So instead of feeling just broken, you will start seeing the light peeking through your cracks.
Pray: There is comfort in prayer. You do not have to be a Christian to pray. But it helps to give you comfort. As a Christian, I find that this period challenges my faith but staying connected to God gives me some peace. I am grateful for that.
Do not be ashamed to ask for help?
As defined by psychiatry.org, “Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.”
APA.org defines anxiety as “an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.
People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat.”
Both are illnesses and nothing to be ashamed of. Over the years, there has been a stigma attached to counselling and admission of having any of the above means you’re mad. While times have been changing, and we have a host of people speaking about mental health and self-care, we have people still afraid of being labelled and choosing to live without the help that they need. Many are functioning at a quarter of their abilities. Let us remember that we have to take care of ourselves. Speak to someone and get the help you need to be the best version of yourself.
You can visit the Healthline website for symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Making it through this pandemic won’t be easy. We have already lost so much; let us start taking back a few things starting with our health. XOXO
You can also revisit my post: 5 Reasons Why You Need Self-Care.