The actions we’re taking to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary but may be harming our mental health. For those of us with depression, anxiety, or any other psychological disorder, increased isolation, and restricted social interaction aggravates our overall symptomology. Constant worries about getting sick or infecting others can also wear down our mental health reserves. Worry is a big component of anxiety and certainly, a dangerous viral epidemic is grounds for concern.

Some of us have lost family and friends to the pandemic and are grieving in isolation. It’s a hard time in which to maintain a healthy mental balance, yet it’s so important that we do just that.
There’s more to taking care of yourself than a single article can cover, but if you’re a person struggling with mental health issues, consider a few of the following guidelines for mental health:

  1. Contact your mental healthcare provider and find out how they’re providing services. As communities begin to open again, there’ll be new instructions for how to visit your mental healthcare professional.
  2. If you’re receiving care for mental health, stick with your provider’s instructions. Take your medicine according to directions and ask your pharmacist if you can get a 90 day supply of your medication. An extended supply can reduce the trips you need to make to get your medicine.
  3. Set time for video chatting with friends and family members. Yes, it’s some extra effort and the temptation to go, full hermit, is powerful, but reaching out is a great way to feel less alone. If you don’t like the idea of video chatting, consider calling or texting.
  4. Keep an eye on your eating. It’s easy to overeat when stressed. Eating always provides a little boost of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, both of which improve mood. It’s easy to over-rely on eating to give us an emotional boost.
  5. Stick to your routine as much as possible. If your normal routine has been wrecked due to coronavirus, establish new daily habits. It’s fine to play it by ear a couple of days a week, but most days we need to keep to a healthy routine. Routines take some of the unpredictability out of life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, reach out for 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.