By Isabela Gee
Our world has been in a state of panic for the past few months. As COVID-19 cases continue to infest exponentially across continents and throughout communities, the prevalent threat of contracting this highly contagious and possibly lethal illness still remains. Not only does COVID-19 have the potential to cause physical harm, but it also has the potential to affect our lifestyle as well as our mental health. While this virus may not be directly affecting you, it certainly has brought about significant changes in everyone’s lifestyle and daily routine.
The majority of us have grown accustomed to leaving the house every day, whether it be to attend school, get to work, or even run quick errands. The sudden absence of this can take a toll on anyone, including panic and stress. According to a survey conducted by the University of Manitoba, 76% of respondents said they were experiencing moderate to high amounts of psychological stress, and much of this stress came from COVID related concerns (Income, health, etc). The Center for Disease Control affirms this by stating that this stress can take several forms, such as drastic changes in sleeping and eating patterns, difficulty concentrating and/or focusing on tasks, and even fear of loved ones catching the virus. Additionally, they have also mentioned that children and those with substance abuse issues are more likely to suffer from deterioration of mental health. It goes without saying that our brave healthcare heroes on the front lines of this pandemic struggle the most with anxiety and stress related to their profession during such trying times.
There are several different methods and resources readily available to help improve your mental health! Many countries are beginning to slowly reopen businesses and public services, so it’s crucial that you keep a positive, level-headed mindset. For one, many tend to feel emotionally isolated from the rest of the outside world. A deprivation of regular contact with friends and loved ones can be detrimental to your mental health, but it doesn’t need to be! Try and make the extra effort to check up on your friends and family via video chatting and messaging each other. Interestingly, the term “social distancing” is actually a bit of a misnomer. We are not actually encouraged to be socially distancing. Rather, it is a term describing the physical distance that should be maintained during this time. Genuine social connections are what can keep the average person content and fulfilled, especially when locked up at home. If possible, while maintaining physical distancing measures, you may even visit your loved ones at their door! While it is important to stay informed and aware of world events, be sure to listen to what your mind is telling you. If the news is beginning to induce stress or anxiety, take a break and focus on a calming task. Boredom is another factor that puts a damper on a happy and healthy mind. A constantly repeating routine at home can start to seem mundane and meaningless after awhile, so try to combat your boredom by introducing yourself to new activities. Taking up a new hobby can help occupy your mind because it never hurts to try something new! Not only does boredom affect your mental health, but the relentless wave of bad news that circulates throughout new outlets can be tough on your mind. Make an effort to regulate your social media intake. In addition to this, establish that your sources are credible and reliable to minimize your consumption of fake news. This way, you can avoid overwhelming feelings of unnecessary panic. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is essential. It is important to remain informed but too much information can actually do more harm than you’d think. During this global crisis, it is more important than ever to practice relaxation and meditation exercises. These include traditional methods such as yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, zen meditation, or simply any activity you find calming and soothing. Lastly, it is imperative to your mental health that you take care of yourself. Being kind to your body and soul will uplift your spirits and potentially alleviate some worries you may have. Making healthy food choices, regulating a proper sleep schedule and staying active through exercises are some of the many ways that you can remain calm and collected as you social distance. Exercise is known to effectively treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and much more. It helps to retain memory easily while it also helps release those jovial chemicals like endorphins that will proceed to kick-start your day!
Although there may be some psychological downsides of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are subtle silver linings to the situation. The University of Manitoba’s survey indicated that within the past month, 85% of respondents said that their need for emotional social support has either been met or exceeded, and over half of respondents reported a greater appreciation for life and those around them. A more positive outlook on the current circumstances can be seen when one recognizes the strengthening family bonds that are made when confined at home. With children not physically attending school, university students travelling back home, and adults working from home, the house can seem overcrowded. Utilize this time spent together in a positive manner! The support of your family is very much valid and needed during crises like these. Don’t be hesitant to confide in your siblings and parents for guidance; sometimes this is all that is required to make wise decisions and move forwards in the right direction. For some of us, this is the most time we have ever spent with our families; therefore, it is fundamental we use this time to grow closer with one another. That being said, exclusively relying on one person at home for emotional support can be burdening and unhealthy. Make the extra effort to reach out to other relatives and friends in order to express your feelings.
A worldwide pandemic can be challenging on everyone in all sorts of aspects, so ensuring that you are prioritizing your mental health and well-being is a big step in the right direction towards fighting the negative effects of this virus.
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