Getting through everyday life in these unprecedented times is no small feat, and this struggle is even more challenging for people dealing with mental illness. Understanding ways to cope with mental illness during a pandemic might save your life.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 can be frightening and can negatively affect your mental health. Although it is important to stay informed and keep yourself and your surroundings clean during quarantine, there are also things you can do to support your mental health with the help of Atlanta Center for Mental Health.
Managing Stress
It is normal for your personal and professional life to feel chaotic during uncertain times. However, managing stress can help make the difference in your mental health. Understand that your routine needs to be organic and never forced. But a routine can help you establish some semblance of control over your life and increase productivity.
Exercise During Quarantine
Whether it’s just simple stretching or doing workout videos on YouTube, try to get yourself moving. This is one of the most helpful coping mechanisms for people with a mental illness during a pandemic. If you’re not a fan of working out, talking a walk outside–wearing a mask, of course–can significantly improve your mood.
Manage Your Feelings
It can be extremely hard for someone with a mental illness during COVID to find a way to channel their emotions. To help with this, find a safe way to express or acknowledge what you are feeling. This can be accomplished using a number of methods that include:
- Calling your doctor
- Writing your thoughts and feelings in a journal
- Talking to friends
- Exercising
If your symptoms start to get severe, do not hesitate to contact a residential mental health treatment program right away. Think of how you would respond to the situation if it is happening to a close friend, and apply the same level of compassion to yourself. Seek help from a mental health treatment center for more help.
Don’t Distance Yourself Socially
During this time, it can be so easy to feel isolated, especially when authorities are telling you to stay away from other people. But you can still make an effort to keep in touch with your colleagues, friends, and family through messages or video calls. Feeling connected to people doesn’t always require proximity.
Only Read Reliable Resources
With all the information spreading on social media today, it’s easy to get yourself wrapped up in negativity and fake news. But remember that all of these things will simply feed your mental illness during COVID.
When dealing with a mental illness during a pandemic, pick one or two reliable sources for information that you completely trust. If you only get your news from peers on social media, in time, you will only feel anxious. So be sure to take a break from social media whenever you can.
Seek Help at the Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Clinics and hospitals can still cater to non-COVID patients. So if you need immediate attention, contact these institutions. This is essential if you are consistently having panic attacks, manic episodes, and suicidal thoughts. If you are taking medications or attending therapy sessions, never skip them.
Across the world, the lockdown appears to be easing. As you begin to come out of isolation, you will face many opportunities and challenges.
Although these changes may be things you have longed for, they can also be a cause of worry, especially for people with existing mental illnesses or with the help of a dual diagnosis treatment center.
As you follow the tips above for coping with mental illness during a pandemic, make sure to consider social distancing guidelines to keep yourself safe. If you need help, contact the Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 today.
