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How to Manage Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the least discussed elements of the COVID-19 pandemic is the impact it’s had on mental health around the country. Pandemics often bring on strong emotions and stress, especially for those handling illness, job loss, financial difficulties or changes to daily routines. However, managing your mental health during this crisis is one of the most important factors to remaining healthy. Here are some must-know tips!

How do I know if my mental health is suffering because of COVID-19?

Have you been feeling off for the last couple of months? Are you not quite sure why you feel the way you do? There’s a good chance that your mental health is suffering due to all the changes in your life, and stress during an infectious disease outbreak can impact everyone differently. Here are some of the ways it may be manifesting:

  • Worsening chronic health problems
  • Worsening mental health conditions
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Fear and worry about your health or the health of loved ones

If you’re experiencing stress, know that you’re not alone. There are also individuals who may react more strongly to this type of crisis. Older individuals, who are more at risk for contracting COVID-19, children, teens, and frontline employees are among the people who may be particularly prone to a decline in mental health during this time. 

How do I cope with stress and mental health concerns during this time?

If your mental health has declined in the past few months, you can get back on track. Managing your mental health is a daily process that will fluctuate depending on the circumstances. These tactics below can help you even when it becomes difficult

Incorporate self-care​

Self-care is the practice of deliberately taking care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It could be reading for a certain amount of time each day, taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga, going for a walk, listening to a podcast or another activity that gives you time to unwind. Incorporating self-care into your daily life each day allows you to reset and destress even when life feels overwhelming.

Connect with loved ones​

During this time, you may feel isolated from others due to stay-at-home orders and other measures put in place to keep everyone safe. However, just because you can’t see your friends and family in person does not mean you can’t keep in touch with them. Sometimes a phone call or FaceTime session can really help your feel like you’re not alone.

Take breaks from the news​

Watching, listening, and reading to new stories (even social media) can have a drastic – and often negative impact – on your mental health. Constantly hearing about the devastation that the coronavirus has caused can often only add to your stress. Don’t hesitate to turn off the TV, close your laptop or delete the app. Your mental health is more important than the need to constantly stay informed!

Fuel your body

Your body often suffers when you’re mentally stressed. During this time, don’t forget to exercise, eat regular, well-balanced meals, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Taking care of your body physically can help you reset mentally as well.

Where to find more information

If you need more information on managing your mental health during this time, visit these links.

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