COVID -19 – Managing mental health

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led the world to an unprecedented hazard of mental health. People are afraid and stressed out about getting infected with the virulent coronavirus while the world is fighting a major virus outbreak. The pandemic has significantly changed everyone’s lives as people have restricted their movement to contain the deadly coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic has caused people to work from home, home-schooling for children, lack of in-person contact with our friends and family members, and temporary unemployment. The fear and staying indoors have severely affected mental health during the lockdown. Various health organizations and the government are working hand in hand to ensure better facilities for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When should one seek help from professionals to manage their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During crises like COVID-19, it is frequent for people to experience increased levels of anxiety, fear, and distress, primarily due to social isolation. While only a few studies suggest a connection between COVID-19 and psychiatric disease; however experts have warned that COVID-19 can trigger the onset of the mental health crisis.  But the constant fear of getting infected with the deadly coronavirus or losing our loved ones because of this virulent virus has left many overwhelmed mentally. Here are a few red flags that people should not ignore to ensure mental wellbeing during the lockdown:

• Long-lasting sadness or fear.
• Frequent mood-swings
• Constant irritability.
• Excessive fear and anxiety.
• Changes in eating and sleep habits
• Sudden withdrawal from social life.

Caregivers or family members must understand the signs of mental struggle, which can sometimes be subtle or sometimes it may be drastic.  A few red flag signs that need immediate medical assistance are:

• Increased alcohol or drug abuse.
• Not leaving bed for days.
• Suicidal or homicidal ( thoughts to hurt others) thoughts.

How to manage mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We understand people are stressed during the coronavirus pandemic, but stress can lead to various complications. To reduce stress, people can incorporate the following healthy ways to cope with stress:

• Avoid spending too much time on social media. Take breaks from listening, reading, or watching the news because constantly hearing about the pandemic may stress you.
• Exercise regularly at home and walk indoors. Exercise stimulates positivity and a feeling of happiness in you.
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco.
• Spend some quality time with your family and loved ones.
• Get adequate sleep because sleep helps to calm your mind.
• Rekindle your hobbies so you stay occupied mentally, avoiding any negative thoughts to build in.

While taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should ensure to take care of your loved ones’ mental wellness and those who are staying away from you. Call them regularly and chat with them. Together we can overcome the coronavirus pandemic, and by keeping in touch with each other, we can ensure mental wellbeing during the lockdown.