As the pandemic continues throughout the U.S., people are following guidelines and regulations for social distancing and self-quarantining. While adherence to the guidelines does mitigate the chances of contracting COVID-19, it can also lead to anxiety, stress, or depression. As a result, some people are seeking professional care at a mental health treatment center to improve their mental health.
If you are unable to get mental health help in GA, you can still do some things to improve your mental health in your home. For instance, you can maintain physical activity, eat healthy, limit your exposure to media, and stay connected to friends and loved ones. You can also access a family, group, or individual therapy program online through telehealth services. Atlanta Center for Mental Health is here to help.
How to Improve Mental Health During COVID-19
Here are some ways that you can improve your mental health during the pandemic.
Seek Help from a Treatment Professional
Fortunately, you have access to telehealth services if you are in self-quarantine. You can get online and meet with your therapist via video chat. You can also send and receive documents and order your prescriptions online. Mental health therapies available online include:
- Individual therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Support groups
- Outpatient treatment program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
If you can manage your addiction or mental health issue but need therapy, telehealth services offer outpatient treatment. However, if you have a more severe condition, you may want to find a residential treatment program to improve mental health.
Maintain Physical Activity
When you are in isolation, you may not have access to a gym or a fitness facility. However, there are lots of apps and online resources for fitness programs. If possible, try to find some free online exercise classes. You can also do some yard work or take long walks outside. Get creative and find some outdoor activities to do with your family.
Exercise releases endorphins – neurotransmitters that boost your mood and give you an overall sense of wellness. Running or aerobic activity gets your blood flowing to the brain and keeps you mentally fit. Before you hit the couch, try to get up and move around. It will help you improve mental health.
Limit Your Exposure to Media
Constantly exposing yourself to media can create high levels of anxiety and depression. This is because you are focused on the negativity surrounding the pandemic. While it is important to stay updated, it is not important to stay on social media throughout the day. If you are currently in an anxiety treatment program, watching the news or staying on social media all the time can undermine your recovery efforts.
Instead of watching the media throughout the day, choose certain times to watch the news or scroll through your social media newsfeed. Watch the news in the morning and then focus on your work. Take a glance at your Facebook or Twitter feed at lunch and then put down your phone. Limiting your exposure to the media can improve mental health and keep you from feeling anxious.
Get Enough Sleep
If you have anxiety or depression, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night is vital to your mental health. When you are isolated at home, it can be easy to disrupt your sleeping pattern. You may feel like you can go to bed and get up when you want. However, you should try to set up a sleeping pattern where you get up and go to bed at the same time each morning and night.
Try to limit your screen in time bed – this includes TV, computer, and phone time. Reduce your caffeine intake and try to drink caffeine after 12 pm. If possible, try to relax before you go to sleep. Take a warm bath, do some stretches, meditate, or read. All of these can help you sleep better and improve mental health.
Get Help at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Are you struggling with a mental health issue? If so, contact Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458. We offer mental health help in GA. Our specialists can help you improve mental health and recover from your mental disorder or addiction. Call us today and get started on the road to recovery.
