How to take care of Covid Impact on Psychological well-being?

With the news of the epidemic Coronavirus (Covid-19) dominating the internet and headlines, individuals and their mental health witnessed a roller coaster ride. Since its announcement, it is a threat to one’s mental well-being. With a disruption of normalcy, the scars of social distancing have been really profound.

Corona and Mental Health: An Intertwined affair

Worries and anxiety overshadow the otherwise calm self, with more and more individuals being bogged down with mental stress. With social isolation, work from home, and financial pressure, the altered daily routine has affected mental health in ways more than one. Mental illnesses are extremely common, and taking IV therapy with added nutrients and medications from hydrateyouoklahoma.com can help promote healthy brain function and alleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety and other mental illnesses, like depression.

As per a recent survey precisely performed by the Kaiser Family Foundation, around 45% of Americans believe the pandemic can harm mental health. Moreover, with the rapidly growing media updates and stories, the world is fueled by fear and panic everywhere.

The fear of uncertainty has overtaken with the rising results of separation and loss of close bonds. This has invigorated an increasing change in lifestyle, triggering psychological problems amongst the general individuals. A number of studies have been beneficial to reflect the rising mental impact causing signs of depression in men, and we couldn’t agree anymore.

India is a nation with more than half of the population being below the age of 25; however, WHO referred to India as the most depressed nation globally. The vast majority of the population has been seen struggling with anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, and various other mental health concerns.

Underlying Causes of Concerns: 

Economic Distress 

The growing disparity in the realm of economics has been mainly affecting individuals in all fields. This is more so true with the rising confusion with each one’s financial stability. As per reports, the suicide rates have increased mainly from 1% to 145%. Numerous studies have reflected on the effect of the pandemic on the young population.

The pandemic has disrupted 93% of countries’ services, with the demand for safeguarding mental health increasing every day. Economic stress has been a real cause, leading to uncertainty and a significant cause of depression symptoms. Loss of income or uncertainty of income source has been primarily responsible for triggering mental health conditions.

• Social Distancing

Did you know that experts warn of prolonged isolation as it can trigger mental health conditions primarily? So imagine the impact it caused due to the norms of the pandemic! With increased stringent measures being applicable worldwide, mental health has been seen to take a toll on individuals lacking the feeling of social connectedness.

In response to the epidemic, several countries worldwide have banned social activities by imposing social distancing norms. With schools, colleges, workplaces, restaurants, and more wholly shut, social distancing has been the rising norm. Researchers have evaluated around 24 studies witnessing individuals’ psychological outcomes quarantined to witnessing a major psychological outbreak.

Such psychological outbreak has been majorly disturbing, leading to signs of depression in women, emotional exhaustion, stress, substance abuse, insomnia, and much more. According to a study, of 2,760 individuals quarantined, around 938 individuals reported experiencing psychological stress, indicating mental health issues.

• Lack of Physical Activity

Physical factors such as exercise and diet are just as important and can influence mental health. With work from home, balancing work and home led to irregular eating habits, laziness, no access to physical activities. This physical inactivity undoubtedly impacts lifestyle, relationships, roles and indeed Mental Well-being. While Research shows that doing any form of exercise impacts the release and uptake of feel-good chemicals or endorphins in the brain and also releases dopamine and 5HT hormones that reduces stress. Mental and physical health mask each other in many different areas and ways and go hand in hand.

• Lack of Access to Necessities

Lack of access to general necessities such as supplies, food, and communication has been highly distressing. We, as individuals, are used to living a particular lifestyle and a specific way of living. However, the pandemic was responsible for disturbing so and causing a lot of mental outbreaks.

Hence, lack of access to necessities has been frustrating on individuals while taking a rising toll on their mental health. People have been terrified all around the world, with hoarding basic supplies in bulk whenever available. As a result, this created a significant loss in stocks, leading to no availability of supplies. As a result, the unavailability and uncertainty have been disturbing, affecting one’s mental health.

• Coping with Stress

The pandemic has been a life changer, with individuals experiencing rising feelings of stress, difficulties, and social isolation. Social distancing is necessary to combat the pandemic’s spread; it has made one feel isolated, lonely with increased feelings of anxiety and stress. Here are a few of the feelings caused.

The underlying stress has resulted in the following:

• Caused feelings of anxiousness, frustration, sadness, numbness
• A change in desire, appetite, interests
• Difficulty in making decisions and concentrating
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Physical challenges such as body pains, headaches, skin rash, and stomach ailments
• Chronic health difficulties
• Increased result of drug abuse, alcohol substances
• Negative impact on mental health

Ways to get rid of the impact of Covid19 on mental health

Now that we are aware of the soaring intervention of Covid 19 on mental health, here are a few healthy approaches and ways to cope with one.

1. Take a Break

As the crashing news of Covid 19 and its impact keep telecasting all over the television and across channels, it is time for you to take a break from the sources! Such sources can be television, radio, or even news articles online. Although a pro is well informed, however consistently hearing the same news can be distressing.

Hence, consider limiting the source of new stories, listening to the stories, watching, or reading them up. If you feel like staying away, just take a break when necessary. Moreover, you can consider limiting the news stories a few times a day instead of staying connected to them 24*7. Take a break from TV, computer screen, and phone, instead opt for sleep music to keep calm and sleep peacefully. Consider turning the notifications off to protect your mental health.

2. Seek the Right Source

Acquiring news from fake sources can be disturbing and highly distressful. This offers information and sources that are not reliable and can cause panic among individuals. Hence, it is recommended to limit you to acquiring knowledge and data from official sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission, and other trusted national sources.

As mentioned above, credible sources can benefit individuals from feelings of panic, fear, and distress. The right source can be highly beneficial to helping oneself stay secured and updated with the correct information. As a result, you will feel less panicky and experience less stress.

3. Search for a Distraction

Psychologists suggest you segregate the underlying problem into two distinct categories; things that have a solution and things that do not have an answer. As you might find yourself in the second half most of the time, this is why it is a must to cope up with the distractions well.

Staying busy with a favorite hobby or a pastime can be highly beneficial. Alternatively, you can watch your favorite movie, practice your preferred workout, read books, and listen to your favorite songs that make it easier for you to find a balance amidst the daily stress.

The internet is filled with videos of meditation music, education, science, practice, workouts, and so much more. While the internet is at your fingertips, you can definitely utilize it to feel at ease.

4. Look for Alternate Ways to Connect

If you have missed out on your friends and the bonding time, you definitely need to look for alternative ways to connect. With the advent of technology, you are at the mercy of a dearth of options. Connect with your peers through video calling applications and stay at ease. However, limit your screen time as prolonged exposure to the screen might be harmful to your health.

Alternatively, get creative with joining challenges across social media. The creativity and the challenges are inspiring, which can keep you hooked with your peers. Go on conference video calls with your friends, family, and relatives to communicate your deepest feelings. Hence, stay connected through virtual mediums and keeps your stress at bay.

5. Make a Robust Financial Plan

The pandemic has been harsh on everyone, and especially on the financial expenses. It has reduced your income or posed a strain on it. As an outcome, you might be left feeling uncertain and unsure of the future. The uncertainty can take a significant toll on one’s mental health, which is why it is increasingly crucial to plan your finances well.

Plan and evaluate whether you can get any benefits from the securities you have done for the future. With several restrictions in place, you can utilize the budget tool to work on your budget for the home, workplace and search for jobs from home. Amidst times of uncertainty, it is essential to stay secured and stable financially.

6. Anticipate Distress

The present uncertain times have made all of us feel vulnerable, and it is entirely alright to feel this way. If you feel the same way, it is pivotal to acknowledge the feelings and remind yourself to pay attention to the mental distress.

This needs you to be increasingly aware of the habits that might be harmful to you in the long run. Evaluate the practices and the lifestyle patterns that deserve a chance, and change them. Additionally, try to check in with people you know who might need the help to deal with depression and anxiety!

7. Take Care of Yourself

With the challenging times circulating the world, it is a must to make you a priority. Make most of the time to take care of yourself, and do things you have always wanted to, such as yoga, Zumba dance, baking, cooking, meditation, and more.

Doing things you love can positively impact your mental health while making the negative ones ashtray. Please remember that right at the end of the day; it is you who needs to lift yourself!

8. Adjusting with the New Normal

Now that you are compliant with the strategies you need to take to get rid of the impact caused by the virus, it is about time to adjust to the new normal. This is when you need to move out by following the necessary precautions, including wearing a mask, using a sanitizer, and maintaining social distancing.

9. Get back to your Fitness Regime

Physical exercise is a healthy, cheap & most underused method of treating psychiatric disorders. Doing regular workouts can be helpful to maintain a sense of well-being and have a profound positive impact on depression, anxiety and ADHD. You may feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives.

With you staying home for months, it is time to get back to shape by enrolling in fitness programs to do full-body workouts and reach your fittest self-back.

Get enrolled to your nearest fitness center or Gym and get back to basics. Virtual and home fitness programs may be trending currently but nothing can replace a good gym session. In fact, the fitness centers and gyms have revamped post pandemic with all COVID-19 precautions and have gone online using gym management software that enables online scheduling, slot bookings, appointments on basis of social distancing norms, contactless attendance and so on.

So, hook up to a gym and have a workout session that lets you throw away all your frustrations, negativity and start your day with peace, positivity and hope.

Key Takeaways

With the new normal being restored, it is ideal for planning for the future with whatever you have at present and maximizes each opportunity to its utmost. The past year has been mostly educational, teaching us much more than we knew. Hence, it is time to value finances, relationships and foster each moment with care and gratitude.

With us witnessing a sea change in our lifestyle, day to day living, and more, it is recommended to stay positive and inspired each day. Read inspiring and motivating article, or watch similar videos, get back to work out & fitness routines, to keep your mental health working and at its best. However, do not forget to remain safe and maintain safety norms whenever moving out of your home, as it is better to stay safe than sorry!