Pandemic and Mental Health

If you are like me this COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and taxing on my mental health. The Fear and anxiety about this new disease and what could happen is super overwhelming and causing a lot of strong emotions and feelings for me.   Public health actions, such as social distancing, are making me and other people I know, feel isolated and lonely; it is also causing an increase in stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Mental Health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency.  People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable in this pandemic situation. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior in a way that influences their ability to relate to others and function each day. These conditions may be situational or short-term, but most are chronic or long term conditions. People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.

I know for me this has been especially difficult to make sure I keep up with my services. There have been times that I have felt so depressed lately that I would cancel my therapy session thinking I did not need it, but that has not helped or worked in my favor.  During these difficult times especially it is super important to reach out for help and reach out to people that can help get you through. One thing I have found especially helpful is face timing or using zoom to video chat with my family and friends. Even though we cannot physically be together it has helped make the distance and separation more bearable. 

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

Are you experiencing any of these below symptoms? If so it may be time for you to seek professional help.

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Worsening of mental health conditions.
• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

Healthy ways to cope with stress during this difficult time:

• Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.
• Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).
• Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

During this time it can be especially difficult to ask for help; you may feel embarrassed or ashamed and there’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. If you need assistance please reach out, there is always someone there to assist you when you are in times of need.

Get immediate help in a crisis

• Call 911
• Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
• National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon.
• National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
• National Child Abuse Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
• National Sexual Assault Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat external icon
• The Eldercare Locatorexternal icon: 1-800-677-1116  TTY Instructionsexternal icon
• Veteran’s Crisis Lineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chatexternal icon or text: 8388255

Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health

• SAMHSA’s National Helplineexternal icon: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
• Treatment Services Locator Website external icon
• Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centersexternal icon
• National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon.
• SAMHSA Suicide Preventionexternal icon
• Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signsexternal icon
• Five Action Steps for Communicating with Someone Who May Be Suicidalexternal icon
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