During the pandemic mental health facilities have been working harder than ever. Every mental health clinic in Arizona and anywhere else over the world is seeing surge of people looking for help. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues have gotten worse due to the effects of a very long and drawn-out global pandemic caused by Covid-19.
It is always important to take mental health seriously and take steps to protect yourself. During times of crisis, it takes on added importance. It is very easy to fall into despondency when faced with the reality of the situation right now. And this opens the door to a variety of issues. In this article, we will go over several things you can do to protect your mental health during the pandemic so you can live as normal a life as possible until it’s over.
Understand its normal
It is completely understandable that you would feel anxiety or depression in times like these. The news is overwhelmingly negative as the numbers just seem to keep going up. After 18 months of periods swinging between lockdowns and restrictions, it is only natural that at a certain point your disposition is going to change.
There may have even been a death of somebody close to you that has also affected you.
There is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. Mental health is not always a genetic thing and is often influenced by outside factors. There are not many people alive right now that wouldn’t be affected by this type of history that we are living through.
Blackout social media
Many people fall into the black hole of negativity on social media. Although there are many benefits to using it, i.e. keeping up with your friends and family that you don’t see often, it can be devastating to your mental health during a crisis.
It has to be understood that social media platforms make their money from ads. The more time spent on the platform the more ads you will see so the more money they make. The algorithm is going to provide you with content to keep you on the page which generally involves keeping you afraid or outraged.
What happens is that it causes you to spiral into depression or anxiety as well as other negative emotions. Which in turn makes it difficult to keep your head above water when it comes to mental health.
Stay active
Physical activity is a good way to keep positive. It releases endorphins which are pleasure hormones to your brain. The rush of blood throughout your body brings oxygen and keeps you feeling good.
This is important when there is this thing hanging over your head. Everywhere you look there is something to do concerning the coronavirus. Doing some physical activity will allow you to process things in a positive way and not fall into despair.
Get plenty of sleep so you have the energy to go for walks, play sports or do some yoga.
This post was last modified on September 26, 2022 5:52 pm