Mental Health and the Pandemic
As you know the pandemic threw us into unchartered territory with managing our mental and physical health. Not only have we had to reassess how we live and work, we have also had to completely re-evaluate the things that are important to us and how we can live in a more balanced way. Experts are predicting that there is a mental health crisis looming on the horizon. As the world begins its recovery from Covid-19, it is more important than ever that mental health is prioritized, and strategies are created to help cope with what is often referred to as ‘the new normal’.
More than 47
million Americans
suffer from some form of mental illness.
The mental health of young people is
worsening and much of
this is attributable to the pandemic and the changes it brought with it. Challenges faced by populations across the
globe have included remote working, isolation, burnout, job losses, financial
worries, grief for those we have lost, and worry about the future.
Statistics show that the rates of depression and
anxiety skyrocketed during the pandemic: we have found that.
● 41% of adults are showing signs of depression and anxiety
● Suicide is the second-leading cause of death amongst those aged 10-34.
● 40 million adults are suffering from some form of anxiety disorders
As the transition out of lockdowns and
restrictions continues, there is a lot to consider. It is perfectly normal to feel worried,
anxious, and apprehensive about the changes to our work and home lives.
Looking For Signs
The following are signs of mental health deterioration:
● Anxiety about changes
● Tiredness
● Inability to connect to others
● Restlessness
● Agitation
● Withdrawal from daily activities and
● Fatigue
Although every situation will be unique there
are some strategies you can use to ensure that your mental health and
well-being are prioritized during the period of transition.
Managing Mental Health – Post
Pandemic
If you have any of the signs mentioned above you
need to ensure that you make the time to reflect and pause. Try and understand the trigger points that can
impact your mental health.
Here are some tips to help you manage your mental health and well-being as you transition out of the pandemic:
● Communicate – feel your feelings and share how you feel with others. This could be family members, friends or healthcare professionals.
● Plan and Prepare: try and think ahead and make plans that you know will help you feel better. For example, if going for a walk makes you feel better then make time for walking three times a week.
● Don’t be dismissive – your feelings and emotions are valid. Do not feel that you have to rationalize or dismiss them.
● Take your time: pace yourself, we are in uncharted waters. It will take some time for everyone to adjust to the new ways of living and working. Do not feel you have to rush into finding a new routine, so pace yourself.
● Work-life balance: make sure that you have balance in your life. Maintain a balance and prioritize your mental health.
● Eat well and exercise: nutrition is as important for mental health as it is for physical health. Eat well and make time to move your body. The endorphins movement releases will help stabilize your mood and build resilience.
● Self-care: this has become a buzzword in the last decade but at its very core it’s all about ensuring you look after yourself. Therapeutic activities such as taking a warm bath, listening to music, calling a friend all help to ensure you are making time for relaxation.
● Routine: having a daily routine can be restorative and help you to work, relax, and recharge.
These are Uncertain
Times so how do we cope with Chaos?
Coming out of the pandemic, it is inevitable
that there will be some degree of uncertainty.
How you cope with the uncertainty will dictate how well you can cope
mentally.
Here are some things that will help you cope with uncertainty:
● Focus on what you can control
● Be present and focus on certainty. Whilst the world is changing daily, there are lots of certainties we can focus on.
● Accept that things will change and that is ok!
● Don’t pour from an empty cup. If you feel depleted, take some time out to rejuvenate.
● Do not fall into worst-case scenario thinking. Try and train your brain to fall into best-case scenarios instead.
● Having a sense of purpose is grounding and can help you get through difficult days. Make a short list of tasks you would like to get done and then work through the list. Now remember, the aim is not to complete the list, but simply to identify things you need to do as part of your daily routine.
Returning to Normal?
Finally, whilst it might seem strange that the
world is trying to find a new normal, what is clear is that for many people the
pandemic has really highlighted the importance of quality of life. Remote working has meant that people do not
have to endure a long and draining commute to and from work. People have had the time and headspace to
focus on their own well-being.
Some of the strategies mentioned above will help
you to cope with life going forward into a post-pandemic world. However, you should also rely on your own
instinct and gut feelings; always reach out for help if you need it and
remember that it is ok to not feel ok!
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