Regardless of who is getting physically affected by the coronavirus, there’s one thing that has been disturbed for all of us. Yes, we are talking about mental health. This is the time when even introverts and antisocial human beings are craving socialisation. Moreover, the fear of who will be the virus’s next victim has induced anxiety within. Furloughs, reduced earnings, economic uncertainty, social distancing, and whether the coronavirus will ever leave us alone, are keeping us up all night.
As the crises stretch on, it is triggering for mentally healthy people as well as those with inherent mental health issues. You will hear your friends and family tell you that they are feeling anxious, depressive, and insomniac.
Here’s how you or your loved ones can boost the psychological and mental outlook:
The constant instillation of news and social media browsing can trigger your anxiety. Moreover, being on your own with your thoughts can also aggravate it. Psychologists recommend limiting the exposure to social and electronic media to thirty minutes a day or checking the headlines once in the morning and then, in the evening. Start connecting with your friends and family and catch up with those who you haven’t talked to in long. People with similar feelings can not only understand what you’re going through but can also recommend activities that they engage in to deal with the stress.
If your anxiety is coming in the way of performing functions such as showering or paying bills, then that is a sign to consider professional help.
If you cannot sleep
Worry and fear are keeping many of us awake at night. These emotions release fight-or-flight hormones in your brain that make you feel agitated and hyper-vigilant. Set aside some ‘worry time’ for your brain before you go to sleep. Put down on a paper, things that are bothering you, and steps that you have taken or aim to take to deal with them. Put your phone aside an hour before your sleep time. Sleep in a cosy, cool, and dark place. Try taking your brain to a place where you can mentally go such as your favourite holiday spot or happy place.
If you feel alone, sad, and unmotivated
Missing out on fun activities such as eating out, travelling, spending time with friends, have got us thinking if we are clinically depressed. The truth is, that many of those feelings can be attributed to isolation and quarantine. This does not mean that you have depression. Some of the signs of clinical depression include social withdrawal and decreased activity, trouble sleeping, feelings of hopelessness, and bouts of crying.
To boost your mood, try getting outside for a few minutes. Sit on your porch or take a short stroll. If that’s not possible, simply look outside the window to grasp the vibe of nature. Try setting up a list of activities each day so you have things to look forward to. Meditation, exercise, and eating healthy can also boost your mood. Naturazi has a bundle of information on healthy living and nutrition.
If your relationship is getting tough for you
Living with a partner has its perks. However, your brain can act up when you are stuck in the house all day and your partner is the only person you get to see. This is the time when you need to sit down with them and set a basic routine. Draw boundaries and agree to give and take space. Plan activities that both of you can do together such as, exercise, board games, cooking, etc. Always make sure to communicate your feelings to your partner. This may be the best time to get to know each other more than ever.
***
Image credit: Freepik
Peter Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
