If you’re feeling like your mental health has worsened during the lockdowns dominating the first half of 2020, you’re not alone. The COIVD-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantines have caused tremendous suffering throughout the world. Mental health issues are skyrocketing, with people throughout the world who previously lacked symptoms of any psychological disorder now experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression.

There are so many contributing factors to the stress going around it can be hard to keep them straight, but consider just a few of them:

  • Loved ones may have been sickened or killed by COVID-19
  • Long recovery times for those infected with COVID-19
  • COVID-19 cases continue to rise even though the nation is opening up
  • Lengthy isolation from others
  • Loss of social support systems
  • Restrictions in movement including going outside in groups

It’s the loss of social support that many are finding the most challenging aspect of living in the pandemic. Even introverts occasionally cherish time spent with others, and for those who need daily socializing, isolation is painful and can be mentally harmful.

However, there are ways we can brunt the worst of quarantine’s effects. Consider the following tips to keep it together:

  1. Create routines you’ll stick to. For most of us, routines are reassuring, if a little boring, in average times. But these aren’t average days we’re living through. The severe disruptions to our daily routines have been disconcerting, but by putting together new schedules and daily routines, you can feel more anchored and less directionless. For example, try getting up at the same time every day and turning in at the same time, for starters. Training your body to observe a daily schedule helps reinforce the brain’s diurnal rhythm.
  2. If you’re working remotely, set up your workdays as you would normally. Have a set time to get to work and an established time to call it a day. Do your best to keep work and your leisure time apart.
  3. Use social media to stay in touch with friends and family. Even though it’s not the same as being there in person, talking to loved ones promotes a sense of connectedness, as well as providing vital support.
  4. Use the internet to develop new hobbies or indulge in old ones. There’s a myriad of instructional videos on the internet describing how to get involved in any number of hobbies and activities. Creative people across the world are producing amazing content, much of which is free.
  5. Don’t overload yourself with news media. Right now some essential information is flowing across the internet, but so is a tidal wave of inaccurate or out-and-out wrong information. There’s a lot of negativity out there, but you don’t have to drown yourself in it.

If it feels like your anxiety is rising to uncontrollable levels, you can get help. Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.