Q: I'm having difficulty coping with the stress I'm having because of the stay-at-home orders. How can I care for my own mental health during COVID-19?
A: Human beings are social creatures who depend upon frequent contact with others in their lives for support, stability and fulfillment. We are also fearful of big changes and uncertainty in our lives. The public response to mitigate the coronavirus outbreak has triggered our most basic human frailties for many. And while the unprecedented measures taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 have saved countless lives, they come with a high price tag. You are not alone in your anxiety.
People suffering from stress resulting from the drastic changes to their daily lives may exhibit altered sleeping or eating behaviors. They often experience difficulty with concentration and may see a worsening of symptoms for chronic health conditions. Preexisting mental health problems can also deteriorate, which may lead to drug abuse or alcoholism.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to take care of yourself when you need relief from your strain. The proper instruction during this pandemic is to keep physical distance between people, but do NOT isolate yourself socially from family and friends. Take time to "visit" your friends and family with frequent phone calls or Zoom video conferences. Even better, visit with them outdoors once the mandatory stay-at-home orders are lifted. Also try to do more of what helps you to relax, perhaps exercise, sewing, cooking, gardening, woodworking or car repair. Do anything that takes your mind away from the thoughts that cause you to worry.
Meditate or take time out for breathing and stretching exercises. Eat healthy foods on a regular schedule, and try to go to bed at an hour that gives you plenty of rest every night. Probably the best advice, however, is to limit your consumption of news and social media during the pandemic. A steady dose of negative news will take its toll over time.
If you have children, the same advice holds true. Just make sure you're aware of the warning signs. Irregular eating habits may surface, or children may become frequently sad. Declining performance in school is a red flag, as is the avoidance of things they previously enjoyed. Irritability is also a common indicator of stress in young adults. Intervene. Introduce your kids to the same stress-busting activities you're doing. Better yet, do them together.
Feelings of stress and anxiety can easily progress to thoughts of hopelessness if not managed properly. Contact a mental health professional for immediate intervention in those circumstances. Help is literally just a phone call away, and there's no shame. We all need help on some level during these extraordinary times. It's just a matter of knowing when to ask for it.
- Jon Cohen, M.D., Behavioral Health Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Contributed Photo / Jon Cohen, M.D.