During this difficult season of corona virus, there is a lot of focus on physical health and following guidelines to avoid becoming infected. However, not as much emphasis is placed on mental wellbeing. As people are dying worldwide from this deadly virus, some might see their own feelings of loneliness or anxiety during this time as unimportant. If you are feeling alone or struggling mentally during this time, you should know you are not alone. In fact, experts predict that there will be a rise in mental disorders, even among those with no pre-existing conditions during this time. This is because of the sudden and drastic shift in day to day routines. Due to self-isolation, people can no longer enjoy social experiences they previously engaged in. Furthermore, the continuous bombardment with bad news does not help! This article will discuss mental health both generally and specifically to the current COVID-19 context.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease. Unfortunately, mental health remains neglected in multiple cultures worldwide today and in global efforts to improve health. People with mental health conditions experience widespread human rights violations, discrimination and stigma. In fact, more than 80% of people experiencing mental health conditions, including individuals experiencing neurological and substance use disorders, cannot afford quality mental health care (WHO). People living with mental health conditions are more likely to face other physical health problems (e.g. HIV, TB, noncommunicable diseases), causing early mortality of 10-20 years. Suicide mortality is high (close to 800, 000 deaths per year), disproportionately affecting young people and elderly women in low- and middle-income countries. Mental health conditions are especially common for people affected by humanitarian crises and other forms of adversity such as sexual violence (WHO).
“Mental illnesses, unlike broken bones, are invisible to everyone but those experiencing them, but their reality is no different and no less painful” (Swaran Singh). Unfortunately, people with mental illnesses are sometimes dismissed by the people around them as “dramatic” or “ungrateful”. This stigma makes it difficult for them to open up about what they are going through. This in turn results in feelings of loneliness, which only exacerbates the problem. Here is a general list of what one can do to improve their own mental health:
- Connect with other people– whether it is talking to a family member, a friend or a therapist, the simple act of talking it out can make a world of a difference.
- Be physically active– research shows that physical fitness is linked with mental wellbeing. This happens due to chemical changes in your brain which can result in improved mood.
- Pick up new skills– from cooking to painting, there is a wide variety of skills to learn. Choose something that genuinely interests you and invest time in it. This can help you take your mind off of harmful thoughts. It can also help you boost your self confidence
- Give to others– the act of giving, and kindness can help result in a sense of fulfilment. Try donating to charity organisations, volunteering or even offering to help a loved one.
- Mindfulness– pay attention to the present moment because this is the only guaranteed one. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings and the world around you. However, it has to be from a place of simply observing and not overthinking. Observe your thoughts and fears without necessarily interacting with them.
As for the current context, here is a list of things to do to improve mental wellbeing:
- Stay connected– it can be hard not being able to meet up with friends as was previously possible. However physically meeting someone is not the only way to connect. Reach for your phone and call someone, they might even be experiencing the same feelings as you!
- Try to anticipate distress– it is okay to feel overwhelmed during this time. Especially as you receive news reports on the topic. It is prudent to see it coming and be reassured that it is normal and you are not alone.
- Avoid speculation and look up reputable sources on the outbreak– there is a lot of fake news being spread in this time. This can spark fear, do not pay attention to this kind of news. Educate yourself through reliable sources.
- Manage your news intake– it is important to stay informed on what is happening around you. However, if you notice news is affecting your mood, try to find a balance.
- Have a routine– this pandemic has shifted our routines dramatically and this adjustment can be difficult. Try to maintain a healthy daily routine that involves fitness.
– Sahara Abdi