As we have seen in the United States and abroad, the COVID-19 outbreak is changing life as we know it. Combatting a highly contagious virus has forced businesses to shutter their doors, millions of people to shelter in place, and left us all with a consistent sense of uncertainty. These have all been widely covered in the media, but what is not being talked enough about is the state of our collective mental health.
Every single one of us has been affected in a real way by the virus. Some are dealing with the stress of losing their income, while others are anxiously learning how to be productive while working from home. Not to mention the millions of essential workers on the front lines staring at the threat of infection on a daily basis. Each of and every one of us will have different reactions to our “new normal.” Some people are able to quickly adapt and go on with life as usual. Others have not been as lucky.
As we have seen in the United States and abroad, the COVID-19 outbreak is changing life as we know it. Combatting a highly contagious virus has forced businesses to shutter their doors, millions of people to shelter in place, and left us all with a consistent sense of uncertainty. These have all been widely covered in the media, but what is not being talked enough about is the state of our collective mental health.
Every single one of us has been affected in a real way by the virus. Some are dealing with the stress of losing their income, while others are anxiously learning how to be productive while working from home. Not to mention the millions of essential workers on the front lines staring at the threat of infection on a daily basis.
Many Americans are reporting more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fear than previously recorded. For some this is a new phenomenon. For others, they are learning how to cope with existing health issues during the crisis. No matter what camp you fall into, it’s important to be aware of your mental health and what you can be doing to bring peace to yourself in these uncertain times.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources and information out there for you to use. The American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator can help you find a mental health professional near you. Many Psychologists are offering virtual treatment. Talking to a professional about your current headspace and coping mechanisms is a great place to start taking control of your mental health.
In addition, there are plenty of other steps you can take on your own in order to balance out how the state of the world is affecting your mental health.
- Set Routines
Creating and sticking to a routine can help bring a sense of normalcy and consistency when everything else feels in flux.
- Breathe
In moments of heightened anxiety and stress, taking a few minutes to stop everything you’re doing to focus on breathing can make a world of difference. It’s a simple way to ground yourself back in the present moment and focus on something other than negative or intrusive thoughts.
- Stay in Touch
Humans are social by nature. Being cut off from friends and loved ones can be especially detrimental to your mental health. While it’s certainly not the same as getting a hug from a loved one or physically having a shoulder to cry on when you’re overwhelmed, staying virtually connected can help you feel more connected and social.
Many Americans are reporting more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fear than previously recorded. For some this is a new phenomenon. For others, they are learning how to cope with existing health issues during the crisis. No matter what camp you fall into, it’s important to be aware of your mental health and what you can be doing to bring peace to yourself in these uncertain times.
Luckily, there are plenty of resources and information out there for you to use. The American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator can help you find a mental health professional near you. Many Psychologists are offering virtual treatment. Talking to a professional about your current headspace and coping mechanisms is a great place to start taking control of your mental health.
In addition, there are plenty of other steps you can take on your own in order to balance out how the state of the world is affecting your mental health.
- Set Routines
Creating and sticking to a routine can help bring a sense of normalcy and consistency when everything else feels in flux.
- Breathe
In moments of heightened anxiety and stress, taking a few minutes to stop everything you’re doing to focus on breathing can make a world of difference. It’s a simple way to ground yourself back in the present moment and focus on something other than negative or intrusive thoughts.
- Stay in Touch
Humans are social by nature. Being cut off from friends and loved ones can be especially detrimental to your mental health. While it’s certainly not the same as getting a hug from a loved one or physically having a shoulder to cry on when you’re overwhelmed, staying virtually connected can help you feel more connected and social.