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COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our physical health, but what about our mental health? As we all know, this pandemic has completely changed our way of life. We have been forced to isolate ourselves from our loved ones, work from home, and practice social distancing. All of this has resulted in increased anxiety, depression, and stress.
It’s crucial that we prioritize our mental health during this pandemic. Here are some reasons why:
Increased Anxiety and Depression: COVID-19 has created an uncertain environment and constant exposure to news about the virus can create anxiety. Financial losses, job insecurity, and reduced social support increased the likelihood of depression.
Social isolation and loneliness: We humans are social creatures, and with social distancing, we found a gap in our social life and it may lead us to loneliness.
Stigma surrounding mental health: Despite becoming a widespread problem, there is still a huge amount of stigma surrounding mental health. As a result, people feel ashamed to seek help and may not get the support they need.
In order to prioritize mental health, here’s what individuals can do:
Stay connected: Social distancing does not mean social isolation. We can connect with our friends and family using technology such as video conferencing and texting.
Practice self-care: It’s important to focus on ourselves during this pandemic. Meditation, exercise, and a healthy diet can help us reduce anxiety and depression.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Online therapy is available and can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Spread awareness: The more we talk about mental health, the more we can reduce the stigma surrounding it. If you have friends or family who are struggling with their mental health, encourage them to seek help.
We are all in this together, and prioritizing our mental health during this pandemic should be as important as wearing masks and washing our hands. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other during this challenging time.