The Painful Effects the Pandemic Has Had on Mental Health
It has been over two years since COVID-19 started, and this pandemic took a toll on everyone. People lost their jobs, got sick, died, and experienced hardships. Businesses closed, travel was banned, and the economy fell. It even caused a lot of people to gain weight. It had a huge effect not just on the finances but also on people’s mental health. Many experienced depression, anxiety, and fear. Some of the reasons for this are the following:
- Financial problems. Businesses closed, and jobs were lost, so many people experienced difficulties with their finances. It caused stress to some as they exhaust themselves thinking about putting food on the table and paying the bills.
- Uncertainty. There’s this fear of the unknown. You don’t know what will happen in the future or when the pandemic will end, especially because it has been ongoing for over a couple of years.
- Loss of freedom. With the restrictions and being asked to stay home as much as possible, losing the freedom to do what you want can also affect mental health. You will feel suppressed, which is not a good feeling.
- Isolation. The quarantine makes people feel lonely. People are naturally social, so not having a social life can be challenging. Boredom may also strike, and due to restrictions, you can’t do the things you usually do. We previously talked about the importance of hobbies for seniors to avoid loneliness. This is important for everybody, but unfortunately the pandemic made this much more difficult.
- Separation from loved ones. It’s one of the most difficult things since you cannot see your family members and friends.
Vaccinations were rolled out, and many individuals had their shots. However, the pandemic is still not over. New variants are still detected and infect people, so although some places have relaxed their restrictions, there are still regulations in place that everyone needs to follow. There are ways to manage your mental health during this time.
Consult a mental health care professional
According to TSA’s mental health statistics, 1-in-5 people every year will experience mental health issues. It’s more common than you’d might expect, but it shouldn’t be have to be. If you experience any signs of depression or anxiety, get professional help right away. Your mental health care provider will provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
It’s also essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle to manage your mental health problems. Having proper nutrition will make your body and mind function better. Exercising can also help clear your mind and make you feel good. Having adequate sleep is also vital to make you feel refreshed and relaxed. The use of CBD oil and turmeric milk or turmeric latte mix can potentially help improve your sleep cycle. Plus, they are also believed to possibly help with managing anxiety.
Connect with loved ones
If you are in a place that allows you to go out or visit loved ones, do so once in a while, but be sure to practice safety protocols. However, if it’s still prohibited in your area, take advantage of the use of social media or online communication tools to keep in touch and stay connected with your loved ones.
Find an online job
If you can’t still go to work due to restrictions, consider finding an online job that you can do. Many companies offer work from home jobs ranging from data entry to admin work. It will keep your mind busy, and most importantly, it will serve as your source of income.
Managing your mental health is more important than ever, especially during this pandemic. Stay connected, live a healthy lifestyle, and get help from a mental health care professional if you experience signs of depression or anxiety.
