I know many of us are suffering with some degree of stress or anxiety. Even people suffering with depression. Either is what we are seeing each day through social media (which can be overwhelming) or the fear of having the actual virus after seeing people been very sick or even dying due to this virus. But not all news is bad. There are some uplifting and positive stories of people helping each other and coming together during such an important time.
The World Health Organization put out a list of Considerations to Support Mental Health in the times of COVID-19, with one recommendation being:
The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts; not rumors and misinformation. Gather information at regular intervals from the WHO website and local health authority platforms in order to help you distinguish facts from rumors. Facts can help to minimize fears.
For some, following this may be somewhat challenging, because the news is everywhere and specially when most of us are following guidelines in staying at home and practicing social distancing. We are either using our phones, computer or TV to just have a glimpse of what is going on in the “outside world”. Some are completely isolated. I personally don’t like to use the word “isolation” since thanks to social media, we are still able to maintain some connections and communication through online portal or doing virtual meetings which has helped for most of us, to stay connected. We cannot get rid of the news or social media but we can certainly moderate it and have better control over it. This is certainly a new lifestyle we have all adopted and uncertain how long will last, thou several states are starting to re-open in hopes we can have some sense of “normalcy” of what our lives used to be, pre-covid era. Soon to be determined if this was done too early or not. For now, we can consider doing few things to help for our own mental health and also to help others who may need some extra support and care.
Some useful tips and advice to follow:
· Keep yourself informed, through reputable and reliable sources: your national and local authorities. Follow your national TV and radio. For us, here in Austin, a good source to check is the Austin Public health department and also the Texas Department of State Health Services
Other reliable, online sources:
- The CDC
-John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource center
-The World Health Organization
It is important to minimize how much you watch, read or listen to the news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Set yourself a time of the day to do so, either 30 mins to an hour once a day or twice a day, if needed.
· Keep regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels. Colleagues, friends, family. We need this connection. Perhaps they need it more than us even.
· Help others if you are able to, supporting your local community who may need it and also support health care workers who are in the frontlines and in direct contact each day with the Covid-19.
· Have a schedule, a routine. Same as you where doing before this started. If not, then make a new one. Get up and go to bed similar times each day, keep up with your personal hygiene, eat healthy meals at regular times, exercise regularly and even go outside to soak some vitamin “sunshine” and be on the move. There is so much benefit of this for your immune system. Some people may find themselves drinking more alcohol than they should or quitting alcohol and smoking habit much difficult during these times. Try to avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety and boredom. It is not easy but seek for help if struggling with this.
· If facing with boredom due to having excess time at home then maybe is a good time to consider doing a new hobby or activity: be creative. This can be writing, learning a new language, learning a new musical instrument or even a new dance, like salsa. Whatever attracts you and can inspire you to do. Luckily, we do have some businesses and classes going online or doing these offerings virtually, and this may be a way to support others, that have lost their jobs or are trying to make some form of living and struggling financially. Every little help they can get, counts.
For people out there that have been struggling with mental health and this unfortunate event has created for their symptoms to flare up or worsened their condition, please stay in touch with your doctor or health care provider. Continue with your medication(s) if taking any. Get the support you need and stay in touch with your loved ones. You can consider to learn or practice some mindfulness meditation which may aid you in times of stress and anxiety. There are several apps like headspace, insight timer and calm just to name a few, that have some great tools specially for the beginners. There are online resources and even YouTube videos for some guided-meditations. Take action and don't let the feelings and emotions take over you and dictate your life.
As you see there are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental health. Hope this can help someone and share with others. It always help also to see positive and good news online. Here’s a personal favorite website to get some good updates and news during this pandemic.
Be well and stay safe my friends!