For most of us alive today, the concept of a global pandemic is often likened to that chapter titled “1918” in our high school history books… or perhaps Steven King’s novel, “The Stand.” The movie Contagion is probably at top-of-mind, too.
<ENTER COVID-19> It’s unfamiliar. It’s spreading. And, on top of the overwhelming list of unnerving symptoms the virus evokes, it is exponentially increasing panic for those who already battle with mental health disorders of all kinds. Anxiety disorders. OCD. Depression. And more, as 1 in 4 people will be effected by mental and neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Perhaps this unpredictable period in history will be that point.
The hardest part? The viral concern is real, and so is the incredible level of global misinformation spread throughout the internet… which further hinders mental health.
This widespread mental health crisis, now “pandemically-shoved” from terrible to potentially monstrous in this current global climate, should be addressed almost as feverishly as the disease itself.
Fortunately, the CDC has recognized this and recently released a series of ways to cope during COVID-19. It addresses specific triggers, reactions to watch out for (this includes excessive fear and worry, sleep or eating pattern changes, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems, or increased use of drugs and alcohol), and ways to support yourself during this historically-precarious season. According to the CDC, mental health support procedures are recommended as follows:
- Avoid excessive media exposure
- Practice general self-care — eat well, exercise, sleep well… the basics.
- Connect with others, within reason, and refrain from isolation (note: social distancing, which has been recommended as a tactic by the WHO as one of the best weapons to combat COVID-19’s spread, means this may look more like technology-based connection).
- Maintain hope and stay positive
In addition to these rudimentary — but vitally important — steps, if you have an existing mental health condition, you must take the proper steps to ensure you maintain treatment in a modified fashion with social distancing and quarantining as necessary. NAMI has provided a series of steps to refer to for anyone currently battling mental health in the midst of COVID-19, including:
- Explore tele-therapy or mental health services online with your therapy provider (see 9 best online therapy programs of 2020)
- Refill medications immediately, and adamantly ask for a 90-day supply of prescribed medications
- Connect with and listen to your local health provider
- Provide self-care (as mentioned above)
In a time such as this, it’s important to consider how physical, social and economic health impacts our mental health and take proper precautions. Speaking personally, I have seen the direct effects one’s economic and social environment can have on a person’s mental health through the loss of my late-father to mental illness. Although a far-reaching dream, I wish to see no more.
According to the CDC, over 900 COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in the U.S. and over 118,000 cases worldwide. This will have indirect effects in many arenas and in many communities throughout the world. Mental health will likely be one of them.
Let’s be prepared. Let’s communicate effectively. Let’s create an atmosphere where helpful and accurate information can spread effectively to get people the proper help needed, in the proper manner. Let’s support each other in this great global time of need and find a safe level of distance — not complete social isolation — that keeps a global population mentally healthy and able to defeat this crisis at-hand.
Mental Health Com Matters 