Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: 5 Tips To Stay Sane
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated stringent lockdowns. Many people have been forced to stay indoors for months, and physical interactions have been reduced to the minimum. Many people are worried about themselves and the world as a whole, and it is taking a toll on their mental health. To this end, mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and even drug abuse have soared.
It is only natural to feel worried because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also important to safeguard your mental health.
Here are five expert tips to help you stay sane during the pandemic:
1. Avoid Drugs
Many people have nothing to do while in lockdown, and they are turning to alcohol and drugs to stimulate their minds. Consequently, addiction to drugs – and heroin addiction in particular – is a growing problem.
Using drugs may feel stimulating at first, but it poses many mental health risks down the line. For example, some drugs induce feelings of depression and anxiety, and the hysteria is pushing many people to commit suicide. As such, it is important to avoid using hard drugs, and it is advisable to limit your alcohol intake. Besides, there are better and healthier ways to feel good as the pandemic rages outside. If you feel that you are in danger due to your addiction, consider checking into The Recovery Village Indianapolis, or other rehabilitation facility near you.
2. Stay in Touch
Human beings are social beings, but socialization has been restricted owing to the pandemic. The resulting loneliness is almost unbearable, and it is causing many people’s minds to wander. The results are mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Physical interaction may be limited, but communication technology offers safer alternatives to staying in touch with your friends and loved ones. Calling and texting are easy, safe, and popular communication options. You can also speak with your friends and loved ones face-to-face in real-time via video calls. These solutions may lack the physical element, but they still afford you an avenue to share your thoughts and ease the burden on your mind.
3. Keep Yourself Occupied
Many of the people under lockdown have nothing to do, and the monotony and boredom feel unbearable. Their minds are racing, and many people are turning to drugs and alcohol to kill the monotony and boredom.
The situation wouldn’t feel as bad as it does if you had something to occupy yourself with physically and mentally. For example, you can use the lockdown as an opportunity to clean up around the house, fix problems such as clogged drains, give your home a makeover, and more. You can also use your free time to pursue your hobby.
The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns have also given rise to many work-from-home solutions. For example, platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams function as virtual offices where remote workers can even collaborate on projects. There is also a growing market for remote jobs, ranging from digital marketing to competitive gaming.
4. Get Your News from Trustworthy Sources
The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated news headlines across the world. The reports are mostly negative, and many news outlets are quick to report about the rising death toll. The reports are alarming, and many people are naturally worried that they may join the statistics.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous outlets are taking this as an opportunity to spread misinformation, essentially making the pandemic seem worse than it is. These false reports are causing many people to panic more than necessary, and it is inducing mental health problems such as stress and anxiety.
Consequently, it is advisable to get your news reports only from trustworthy sources. Misinformation is especially rife on the internet, but service providers such as Google are providing warning notifications for untrustworthy platforms and reports. It is also advisable to switch the news off once in a while and take a break from the flurry of information.
5. Manage Your Finances Properly
The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked the world’s economy, and millions of people have lost their jobs as a result. Many people have turned to their savings and personal finances. Additionally, many people cannot afford basic necessities such as food and housing. They feel like the world is closing in on them, and this is causing mental problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
It is important to manage your finances properly and reduce unnecessary spending. People facing financial difficulty can also seek financial help from government-funded and NGO welfare organizations. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for help from your friends and loved ones.
Final Thoughts
The world is making great progress in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lockdowns and restrictions may persist for some time. As such, stay safe and put these tips into practice to safeguard your mental health.
