Mental health in the Pandemic

Mental health in the Pandemic

The Pandemic has affected several lives and has made everyone realize the importance of mental health more than ever. The quarantine, isolation has led to a rise in cases of depression and anxiety. People are having emotional breakdowns, feeling nervous, scared, and suffering from insomnia. A psychological crisis exists and it requires to be given attention.

If your mental health is affected by what is happening around you, this article is for you.

Here are a few symptoms that indicate your mental health is deteriorating-

1. Insomnia
2. Excessive crying
3. Difficulty concentrating
4. A noticeable change in eating pattern
5. In a constant state of sadness
6. Anxious behavior

MANAGING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE PANDEMIC-
It is quite normal to feel an increase in your stress levels, and anxiousness but when it continues for a longer period it is detrimental to health.

1. Talk about your feelings-

Talking to someone you trust and who understands you is therapeutic. Instead of keeping your feelings bottled inside talk to a therapist, a trusted relative, or a friend.

1. Take a break from the news-

While it is important to stay updated, there comes a time when you need to cut down on sources of information that affect your mental health negatively. After a while, the news is not informational and is upsetting. The visuals and the crisis can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Give yourself time to unwind from this situation and do activities that make you happy.

1. Work on your body-
   Focus on your body to boost your immunity. Practice breathing exercises, do stretching exercises, and meditate for a few hours in the day. Most importantly make sure you get the required hours of sleep. It helps to boost immunity.

2. Follow a routine that keeps you engaged throughout the day-
   Try to set yourself in a routine which includes your daily work, some sort of physical activity throughout the day. Most of the time, we tend to overthink a situation which leads to more negative thoughts running on our minds. When you set yourself in a routine the mind stays occupied that cuts down on overthinking. A routine also helps to be more productive. Do not forget to add some sort of physical activity to your routine to keep yourself fit mentally and physically.

3. Rely on verified information only-
   What triggers anxiety is the rumor and speculation about the disease. Ensure you are exposed to verified sources of information about the virus, which will help to put your mind at ease. While you are keeping yourself about the world news related to the pandemic, ensure you follow the 20-second hand wash rule after you come back after stepping out. In case you cannot wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. Do not forget to isolate yourself if you feel unwell.

4. Stay connected-

Stay in touch with your near and dear ones. The advancement of technology and smartphones has helped to make long-distance relationships easier. In stressful times, everyone functions better with support and company. Keep in touch with your family with video calls, emails, or through social media.

1. Cut down on social media-

Make sure you stay away from your smartphone and the laptop from time to time. Use social media to connect to friends but avoid over-sensationalizing things. Assess your social media activity and adjust after tuning in with yourself. Avoid absorbing information that does not benefit you and increases your worry and anxiety. Block, mute social media users who make you feel anxious. Social media is a place that is flooded with unverified information. If you are sharing content, do ensure you are doing so from trusted sources.

1. Practice Yoga-
   Yoga and meditation are known to have a positive impact on mental health in the pandemic. Practicing yoga brings a change in an individual’s life which in turn improves the physical and mental health of a person. Do activities like chanting ‘Om’. It directly has an impact on the brain that reduces emotional turmoil. Physical activity, meditation relieve stress, strain, reduces inflammation, and have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Remember, it is okay to ask for help. If you feel things are spiraling out of your control do not hesitate to talk to your therapist.