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Coronavirus and mental health: how to protect yourself

6 Min Read

Rehana Rahman, Daily US Times: Coronavirus COVID-19 has affected all aspects of our lives and the constant news about the pandemic can feel never-ending. It’s not only affecting physical health, but it also affects the mental health of some people.

Staying at home, social distancing and self-isolating are crucial in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but they can affect us psychologically. So what can we do to support our mental well-being during this time?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the importance of encouraging mental and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, stressing “this is not going to be a sprint, but a marathon”.

Why can COVID-19 affect our mental health?

Not only is the threat of a new virus scary, but many people are also facing stressful life challenges. Lots of people who were working in pubs and restaurants or who are self-employed have lost jobs or had their incomes cut.

Social distancing and self-isolating mean avoiding seeing friends and family and many people are worried about vulnerable loved ones.

And of course, for the 1.5 million people recommended to stay indoors entirely for three months as part of the shielding initiative, restrictions are even more extreme.

In addition, it can be hard to escape the constant barrage of bad news in the media too, which can add to feelings of stress and despair.

Taking Care Of Your Mental Health During Coronavirus Pandemic

We know that coronavirus is causing worry and stress for many people,” says Stephen Buckley, head of information at the mental health charity Mind. “If you already experience a mental health problem, it may be affecting this and how you are coping.

“Many people are being asked to stay at home and avoid others, which might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things people can try to help with their well-being during the outbreak.”

Looking after your mental health

To support your mental health at this time, you can try some of these steps.

  1. Practice self-care

It’s easy to slip into the habit of sleeping late, spending all day in your pajamas and eating junk food, but looking after yourself is essential for your mental health. Even simple tasks such as washing your face can feel difficult sometimes, but they can make a big difference to the way you feel.

“Ensure you are in a well-ventilated room and following basic self-care, so healthy eating, sleep, lots of hydration, and try to keep to a routine,” says Pamela Roberts, a psychotherapist based at Priory’s Working Hospital.

Buckley adds that it’s important to have supplies at home to avoid added stress. If you are self-isolating and unable to leave the house even to shop, you’ll need to make plans.

“Think about getting food delivered or asking someone else to drop food off for you,” he says. “Being at home might impact your routine which can affect your appetite and when you drink water. It can help to create a new routine to make sure you are looking after yourself.”

  1. Exercise if you can

Getting moving is easier said than done when you feel low or anxious, but it can significantly boost your mood.

“If you are well enough, exercise is really good for mental as well as physical well-being. Find music that helps boost your mood. If you are able, get into your garden and get daily doses of sunshine,” Roberts says.

Exercising at home can be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities, including yoga videos or cardio workouts.

Under the new government regulations, you are allowed to leave your house for one form of exercise (such as running, walking or cycling) per day but in addition, you’re still able to use your garden as long as you don’t come within two meters of anyone you don’t live with.

The only exception is people who are being ‘shielded’ because they are at the highest risk of severe complications. They should not leave their houses at all.

  1. Set up buddy groups

Roberts advises setting up a “buddy group” with family or friends and regularly checking in with people, either online or by phone. That way, you can offer support to anyone struggling or reach out to others if you need to.

Even just sending daily updates can help us feel more connected and less alone during these difficult times.

  1. Distract yourself

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help offload any worries and fears you may have. It’s also important to try to keep busy, whether that means going for a daily walk or learning a new skill. There are still plenty of activities you can engage with at home, including crafts, painting, reading, cooking, and baking.

“If you feel low, keeping a journal can be a helpful way to unload emotions. Take things a day at a time – planning may have once been essential but projection can evoke fear and anxiety. Go with the flow,” Roberts says.

“If you feel well enough, maybe look at some free online courses offered by the Open University.” Although we want to know what’s going on, it can help to turn off the news from time to time too.

  1. Be kind to yourself

If you don’t feel up to doing anything, though, that’s fine too. It’s important to be kind to yourself and recognize when you need a break. “Take care of yourself, focus on your recovery, and you’ll get through this,” Roberts says. “Tell yourself ‘what I am doing is enough’. Be good to yourself.

“Try to relax and focus on positive things, knowing that every effort is being made globally to bring this situation to a close, but it will take time.”

To control one’s own mental exhaustion, it is important for everybody – especially those who are predisposed to mental health conditions – to learn how to cope and manage any added stress being experienced,” said Paul Miller, CEO of Cipla Medpro.

Cipla’s mental health partner, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), has a plethora of resources across various channels available to help people cope with mental health pressures during the lockdown. Here are some helpful tips from SADAG to reduce stress during the lockdown:

6 ways to reduce stress during the lockdown

  1. Maintain a daily routine.
  2. Restrict media and social media coverage to prevent it from becoming too overwhelming. Only obtain info from credible news sources.
  3. Acknowledge your feelings and focus on things you can control.
  4. Find things to keep you busy (whether it’s constructive or creative) to help lift your mood.
  5. Stay connected with your loved ones via technology.
  6. If you’re on medication, remember to take it as prescribed.

Mental Health in the Coronavirus Pandemic | COVID-19

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