As the world finds its way through the uncharted waters of this pandemic, you may find yourself navigating your own course. With stay-at-home orders, canceled events and limited gatherings, we are all experiencing isolation and loss on some level. Perhaps you have even suffered from depression at some point this year. You’re not alone.
A mid-summer poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation reported over half of US adults indicated the pandemic has affected their mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the stress from pandemics can bring about these responses:
- Fear and worry about health (your own and loved ones’)
- Fear and worry about your job or finances
- Concern about loss of support services you depend upon
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Decline of chronic health conditions
- Increase of mental health problems
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances
With all of these stressful thoughts, it’s no wonder we may be feeling anxious, which can lead to depression. And while there is so much that is out of our control, there are some things we can do to take care of ourselves and those around us.
Cope with stress
- Learn the facts about COVID-19. Just knowing the facts can reduce stress and help you feel more empowered.
- Learn what to do if you are sick. The first step is to contact your healthcare professional.
- Find out where to get treatment, support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).
- Take a break from news and social media. Constantly hearing news of the pandemic adds to your stress.
- Distract yourself from the stress of the pandemic by taking up a new hobby or something that adds purpose or joy to your life.
Take care of yourself
- Take care of your mental and emotional health. Check in with your children and teens.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths and stretch.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
- Take time to relax and do some other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others
- Talk with people you trust about your feelings and concerns.
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting in different ways: online, social media, phone or mail.
This pandemic won’t last forever, even though it may feel endless at times. Until then, use these tips to take care of yourself and to live healthy AND well!
Sources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Robinson, L. and Smith, M. “Dealing with Depression During Coronavirus.” HelpGuide.org. Last updated: May 2020. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/dealing-with-depression-during-coronavirus.htm
Panchal, N. et. al. “The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.” The Kaiser Family Foundation. August 2020. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
Written by: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, carter.413@osu.edu.
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, lobb.3@osu.edu
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