COVID – 19 has wreaked havoc in everyone’s lives. The impact on mental health has been tremendous. The stress and anxiety over the virus has increased the incidence of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, substance use and domestic violence. While social distancing measures are imperative to control the spread of the virus, they have increases feelings of loneliness and isolation among people. With schools being closed, the rate of child abuse is also expected to increase.
Psychology Today recommends 5 ways to deal with the stress from the pandemic:
1. Keep in touch with other people by reaching out online and joining support groups. Use social media to connect with friends and family through text messaging and video calls. Contact your loves ones to check in with them
2. Practice healthy habits by having a good sleep schedule, exercising regularly and eating nutritious foods
3. Explore new hobbies and try something you have always been meaning to try out but didn’t have time to
4. Laugh, laugh, laugh. Laughter is known to stimulate many organs and enhance the release of endorphins “feel good hormones” by the brain. It can also reduce the symptoms of stress by promoting circulation and muscle relaxation
5. Focus on the present. While it is easier said than done, worrying excessively about the health of loved ones and yourself will prove counterproductive as that worry can be responsible for making you sick
In case you need immediate help:
Call 911
Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon: 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 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 Chatexternal 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
By: Sanya Bansal