The pandemic is a stressful time for all of us. It is incredibly nerve-wracking for people that have mental health issues. Whether you have anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition, it can be challenging to determine how to deal with your issues. Seeing a therapist isn’t as easy as going into an office. All mental health professionals are meeting with clients via Telehealth. You can see a counselor through video chat, messenger, or phone. That can be a huge transition for people who are used to seeing their therapist in the office. Here are some ways to manage common mental health issues during the pandemic.
Anxiety and COVID
Anxiety disorders are extremely common. Millions of people suffer from these conditions.
Whether you have panic disorder or GAD Generalized Anxiety Disorder, you are not alone. Six million people in the United States live with panic disorder. If you are one of those individuals, you know how debilitating panic attacks can be. During quarantine, people are social distancing, which means that you’re not around others as much as you were before. You may be afraid to go to the grocery store because it could cause a panic attack. It’s crucial to use self-compassion during this time. Understand that things are more challenging than usual. Go slower than you would if there wasn’t a pandemic. It’s perfectly okay to break things down into smaller steps so that you can feel like things are more manageable. Another thing that can help with anxiety is exercise. You could invest in an elliptical machine so you can exercise from home. You can also take short walks around the neighborhood while wearing a mask. Getting that excess energy out can help with anxiety.
Depression and the pandemic
While social distancing, it’s common to feel down. If you’re feeling depressed, don’t punish yourself. You might be sleeping a lot or having insomnia. These could cause your depression to feel worse. You’re not seeing people as much as you were before, which can intensify feelings of isolation. Understand that these are normal feelings and if your depression is worse, or you’re having suicidal thoughts to reach out for help. Don’t be afraid to contact a mental health professional and express these feelings because you’re not alone. Depression can make you feel isolated, and you’re already in a situation where you’re not around others. So don’t be fearful to ask for help when you need it. Another thing that can help depression is staying active. Just like anxiety, it’s best to get your mind off of these depressive feelings. Meditation can help when you’re having intrusive thoughts and thinking things like things are hopeless, or you don’t feel like you’re contributing to society. Try using mindfulness if you’re feeling depressed, and that can help.
When to get help
Part of managing your mental health during COVID is emotional awareness. Understand that the more you keep track of your mental state, the better you will feel. That could include tracking your mood. There are apps where you can figure out how to monitor your moods so that you know when you’re feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or frustrated. Mood apps are a way to keep track of your mental wellness and know when you need to reach out for help. Telehealth is an excellent way to get the help that you need, whether you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or stress because of COVID. It’s worth noting that you don’t have to have a formal diagnosis to reach out for support. Therapy can help people with a multitude of issues, including everyday life challenges or relationship issues. Connections between people could be strained because of cabin fever. When you’re in close quarters with people, no matter how much you love them, you can get frustrated. It’s okay to discuss these things in therapy.
Online therapy
Online therapy is an ideal place to get treatment for mental health concerns during Covid. Many people have been introduced to remote counseling before the pandemic. If you haven’t explored this option, now is the time because even therapists that were practicing in person have had to transition to Telehealth. If you’re curious about learning more about your mental health, you can also visit https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/. Check out that site to see if there are any mental health tips for you. It will give you a sense of what issues you’re coping with and what you can talk to an online therapist about when you do reach out for help. Remember that you are not alone and that people are dealing with the anxiety of the pandemic. Your emotions are valid, and sometimes that Mimi and taking space for yourself. Therapy is a dedicated place where you can discuss any concerns you have. It’s your time to work through your challenges. Try speaking to a counselor if things feel overwhelming, and you can get the support you need.
About Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
