COVID-19: Staying Mentally Healthy
We’re living though a time where the map hasn’t been drawn yet, and we’re all doing our best to get through it. A friend of mine told me she was feeling really anxious and out of control because there are just no answers. But there are lots of answers, if you look for them. Stay home if you can. Check your temperature. Call a doctor if you have symptoms. Take a shower. Eat breakfast. Pet your dog. Try making a list of the things you can control, however small. I've been making a physical list some days, and checking things off. It's fine if something doesn't get checked off, but it feels good that some things do.
Things are changing every day, so it makes sense that you may feel different and your days may look different than usual. If you are still working, you may be experiencing some FOMO or resentment because the whole world seems to be living this working from home/extended vacation life right now. If you're staying home with your loved ones, you might be feeling guilt for not enjoying every single moment of it. There isn't a map for this, so allow yourself to be a little lost.
An incomplete list of things that may improve your mental state:
-Go outside if possible. Sunshine and movement both elevate your mood and help you absorb the nutrients you eat. If you can't go outside or exercise, just look at the sky or at the ground. Both can bring a feeling of connection.
-Make contact with someone who doesn't drain you. And it's ok to limit the time you spend on FaceTime. Extraverts and introverts both need time with others and time alone, so listen to yourself and notice what your mood and attention span are telling you.
-Comparison is the thief of joy - it may seem like everyone else is being productive with all of their newfound free time, but trust me. They are managing as best they can, and that’s what you are expected to do too. Nothing more. Maybe you can organize that drawer you've been meaning to get to. Maybe you'll start jogging again. Maybe this is your moment to write the Next Great American Novel. If so, great! If not, THAT'S ALSO GREAT!
-Listen to or read a reputable news source, and then turn it off when you're informed. Too much news can be overwhelming, depressing, or just confusing.
-Find a way to be kind every day. It is empowering to realize how you can change someone's day, and elevates the mood just like exercise.
-If you struggle with mental health or substance use, know that this may be a time when symptoms may show up. Be in contact with your mental health provider, and see about telehealth (video/phone) appointments.
-If you start to become anxious or worrisome, try this grounding technique: list 5 things you can see. list 4 things you can touch. list 3 things you can hear. list 2 things you can smell. list 1 thing you can taste. Worry is a symptom of trying to predict the future. Becoming grounded in the present can bring you back to concrete things you know to be true, instead of casting around in the unknown.
And wash your hands.