I don’t think anyone is surprised to hear that mental health issues are on the rise in the United States since the Pandemic. Depression and anxiety rates have gone way up. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that nearly half of Americans report the Coronavirus is harming their mental health. Use of anti anxiety meds and antidepressant meds jumped 21% between February 15, 2020 and March 15, 2020.
The variability in people’s experiences is at play here – often people will feel what’s called disenfranchised grief, in which a person feels they aren’t entitled to feel bad when others have it worse.
Here are some things to do if you’re feeling depression come on:
Figure out how to reconnect (don’t wait for other’s to reach out)
Remember others are experiencing similar things – you’re not alone
Express yourself – tell people how you are feeling
Limit media exposure – it can be overwhelming
Stay busy – start a project and create routine, including personal hygiene
Get outside – even in your own backyard – excercise and exposure to full spectrum lighting (sunlight) causes a rise in endorphin levels
Help others – it gives a sense of purpose and helps you feel better generally
Recognize this will pass – make peace with acceptance – you cannot control this
There are some things in your control however and engaging in these activities can be very helpful. You can control:
What you eat and drink
Who you spend time with
How you speak to others
How you control your personal care including hygiene and exercise
How you spend your time
How you speak to yourself
And finally here are some self care ideas:
Create a predictable daily schedule
Get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Eat well and hydrate
Exercise/get outside/plan fun activities/playtime
Relaxation routine (meditate, yoga, deep breathing)
Practice gratitude
Connect with others