Mental Health vs the Pandemic: Know How to Care for Your Mental Well-Being

Is Omicron making you omit your plans? Do you feel more anxious or depressed with each passing day? With the new variant of the Coronavirus potentially shaking up the healthcare systems, the pandemic again seems to have taken a 180-degree turn. The daily numbers are surging, much akin to the beginning of the pandemic. Even in countries with higher supply and outreach of vaccines such as the UK, the 7-day average has surpassed 4000, says the WHO data. As per the information regarding the pandemic, the virus has claimed a total of 5.3 million lives with 4637 new deaths being reported every day, and the trend seems to be moving in the upward direction.

Amid this surge in the Coronavirus cases, there is also a different trend being observed - an increase in number of anxiety and panic attacks among people, especially the youth. Studies have shown that almost 1 in every 5 youth are experiencing symptoms of "clinically elevated anxiety". The negative impacts have only seemed to worsen with time. It is almost as if the Coronavirus crisis has birthed another pandemic - the mental health crisis.

A number of factors such as financial insecurities, periods of social isolations, missing important milestones and disruptions at school or work are likely to trigger such emotional responses. Experts have said that the youth growing through this pandemic with such high-stress levels and increasing challenges in mental health could throw the society into some deep challenges moving forward. The question that arises now is, how can you take care of your mental health when self-isolation is at the core of caring for your physical health? While there is no straight-forward path that can be opted for this, one can opt for a few nudges along the way to help them navigate through these times.

Regular Routines

The lack of a routine can trigger the feeling of panic or anxiety in the youth. Brae Anne McArthur, a clinical child psychologist carrying out his post-doctoral research at the University of Calgary said that routines are integral to the well-being of the youth. Young children, in particular, are routine-driven and the lack thereof, can mean them losing sight of the future. It is important those in school are kept engaged by means of following a regular routine. It does not have to be a necessarily rigid routine, but something that incorporates some day-to-day duties and their interests. It could be something as simple as a making up the bed, watering the plants, journaling, etc.

Seeking Help

Although physical consultations are less likely of an option, help could always be sought online. The most important step here though, is willing to seek for it. Remember, no one is alone in this! It is understood that you may not be comfortable sharing this with someone you know, but there are a number of counselling programmes online to help see through these isolating times. Additionally, mindful meditation can also be of great aid.

In dealing with mental health challenges, what is most crucial to take note of is different things work in favour of different people. The only mantra here is engaging in activities that allow you to disengage and allow you to enjoy spending time with yourself.

References:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/depression-and-anxiety-symptoms-have-doubled-among-youth-during-pandemic-study-1.5540456

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/10/health/covid-child-teen-depression-anxiety-wellness/index.html

https://covid19.who.int/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-51235105

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/09/10/health/pandemic-anxiety-depression-tips-wellness/index.html