2020 has been quite an eventful year. From wild bushfires to extreme cyclones, it feels like we have gone through every possible disaster in just a span of a few months.
But the biggest threat this year has been the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19). First reported in the city of Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 virus has now spread to almost every country in the world.
This ongoing global pandemic has brought the whole world to a standstill and has forced everyone to follow strict lockdown. Social distancing measures have been implemented while the search for a vaccine continues.
However, in the midst of all these terrible events, there is one issue that has recently become the subject of wide discussion – Mental Health.
How is the lockdown affecting mental health?
According to a recent survey, 61% of Indians are facing mental health issues during lockdown. Another survey conducted by the Indian Psychiatric Society suggests that there has been a 20% rise in cases related to mental illness.
Anxiety and uncertainty about the current situation are the major causes for this sudden jump in cases related to mental health.
Job cuts, financial stress, and feeling isolated are other main factors that have led to this unexpected rise.
How to know if you are facing mental health issues or anxiety disorders?
The urge to constantly check current facts about COVID-19 and staying updated has been one of the major reasons for anxiety disorders.
Another sign of unusual anxiety is feeling guilty and thinking about the past over and over again.
Binge eating, feeling distracted and experiencing sudden insomnia are other important factors that suggest you need to take care of your mental health.
If you are constantly feeling low, stressed or are unable to focus on your daily routine, then it might be a sign that you need to focus on your mental health.
So, here are a few tips that might help you understand the importance of mental health and will also help you take proper care of it.
- Stay Connected
Even though this pandemic has forced us to stay inside our houses, it has allowed us to spend more time with our family. You can use this opportunity to connect with them and talk about mental health.
This communication will go a long way in developing a good state of mind and will help you feel a bit relieved too. However, if you are not staying with your family, it will be difficult to meet them during the lockdown.
So, you will have to find other ways to…
- Keep in touch with your family and friends
The lockdown has led to a gradual increase in the availability of free video calling options. This has made it easier to talk to someone about your mental health.
Also, you can keep in touch with your friends or call up someone whom you haven’t spoken to in a long time and surprise them. Share your thoughts and talk to them about some common interests or memorable events.
- Talk to a psychiatrist
You may not feel comfortable in discussing mental health with your family or friends. In that case, you can reach out to a therapist or psychiatrist.
Talking about mental health and taking advice from a mental health professional is extremely important if you constantly feel lonely, isolated or helpless.
You can call this COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline number (080-46110007) or refer to the official website of Rehabilitation Council of India.
- Reduce your screen time
Spending too much of time on Instagram or Facebook might not be the best option during this pandemic. This is because you might start comparing your situation with others and feel even more left out.
Your mental health is more important than scrolling endlessly on social media. Instead, you can focus on other exciting things such as learning a new skill or taking up an online course.
- Meditate
Regular meditation can help you attain peace of mind and get rid of negative thoughts as well.
Close your eyes, keep your body relaxed and try to visualize a better future.
This will help you remember about all that you have in life and will allow you to feel grateful, satisfied and content. Also, you will feel energized and will be able to develop a sense of positivity.
- Maintain a daily routine
Being at home for so many days can leave you feeling disinterested and might have a lasting impact on your mental health. You can avoid this by making a simple schedule for your daily tasks.
This will allow you to have a proper routine and will help you plan each day accordingly. You can dedicate a specific amount of time to buy groceries, read books, watch your favorite movie or…
- Exercise
Keep a track of your daily calorie consumption and ensure that your body gets the required amount of nutrition. This will help you stay physically fit and active.
Avoid binge eating when you feel low or stressed. Instead, spend time on your balcony or terrace as it will help you feel refreshed and positive.
However, if all of these above tasks seem too difficult right now, you need to…
- Just be there
In spite of what others will have you believe, this pandemic is not a productivity contest. Yes, you need to just stay and avoid being too hard on yourself
You need to remind yourself that this emotionally taxing situation is what everyone is facing right now. You are not alone in this once-in-a-lifetime event and things will get better with time.
It is okay to sleep a little more sometimes, it is completely fine if you have not tried every new recipe and it is absolutely alright if you have not attempted that viral challenge on Instagram.
Do not feel pressured to do things that you do not enjoy doing. Realize that taking care of your mental health is more important than anything else.
So, try to focus on the positive side of things and understand the importance of mental health. Also, stay safe and stay positive. Because…
This too shall pass.
