Video of Kellie Brown, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Board Certified Counselor, and Owner of Quiet Water Counseling & Rene Morago, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Owner of Morago Counseling Services. Listen as we discuss coping with anxiety and depression during COVID-19.
Coping with Anxiety & Depression During COVID-19
When COVID-19 first started, I really thought that it would only last a few months and then everything would go back to normal. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Many people I know have tested positive, and some have even been hospitalized due to this terrible disease. Unfortunately, many people have also lost their lives, or have suffered long term complications as a result of the virus.
What we know about COVID-19 right now is that physically distancing from others does work. But physically distancing from others is not always practical, or even possible. And physically distancing also known as social distancing comes with its own unique set of problems and difficulties.
Let us take prisoners in solitary confinement for example. There are numerous studies that show that solitary confinement causes anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even psychosis. Many people and organizations even call solitary confinement unethical and inhumane. Yet we are being asked to socially isolate ourselves to protect ourselves and the community from COVID-19. So it is no wonder that many regular people who are socially distancing are experiencing more anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts than usual.
That is not to say that we all should stop physically distancing from each other, but we do need to be more aware of the dangers of social isolation and take proactive steps to combat the mental health issues that come with that.
Tips to Help with Anxiety & Depression During COVID-19
Maintaining routines is an important aspect of this. It is very easy to let go of yourself when you are home by yourself, but taking that morning shower and getting dressed are not just actions that help us get clean, it also makes us feel better. Maintaining your exercise routine or starting a new exercise routine is a great idea to help too. Getting fresh air everyday is important as well, taking a walk, or even just going onto your porch can help boost your spirits. Our physical and mental health are interconnected and imperative for our overall well-being.
Another thing I want you to remember is to keep being social. The huge holiday get together might not be on the agenda but you can still be social with your friends and family in healthy and safe ways. Using technology is a huge help in this and is worth exploring in order to help you maintain social connections.
The next big thing I want people to keep doing is to keep going to your health care appointments. It might be tempting to put off your annual exam or blood work, but the risks of missing a medical issue are too great. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, it is always a good idea to let your primary care provider know. Many medical providers can do tele-health appointments, so there is no excuse to not take care of your health.
What I want you to remember from this is that yes, mental health issues like anxiety and depression are very serious issues during COVID-19, but there are lots of very simple things that you can do to help you feel better. If you ever feel that things are getting to be too much, please reach out to a counselor. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can relieve a great deal of stress and weight off your shoulders.
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I offer online counseling throughout Florida, so you can stay in the comfort of your own home while still getting the help you need. Click below to schedule a free 20-minute consultation and find out how I can help you start living the life you want.
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