24 Jul Ways to Help Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus

Hi friends,

I hope you are doing well.

My brother has told me each month during these crisis feels longer . My mom is here to be around us as family and to have company.

This crisis is hard on so many people for so many different reasons.

Do you watch the news? I have gone from watching the news daily to reading the New York Times daily newsletter called, ” The Morning..” My mom, hubby and I have a routine of sitting out on our deck, talking about the headlines of the day over breakfast and coffee. Waiting for a bit of sunshine in a rather dreary forecast of daily news.

Our mental health is being effected more and more during this time.

The TV news was making me anxious and depressed. Studies have shown this crisis has been taking a toll on out mental health at this time.

Uncertainty, has created fear, anxiety and depression for many people.

I’ve watched the Netflix series on the Coronavirus, but feel that until a vaccine is ready to be administered to millions of people, we are in this spot. Kind of “Corona Limbo” where you are trying to do some things “semi-normal ” but still not normal.

I concern myself with people who have lost their jobs, had to close their business, or are living under hard circumstance.

It is tough dealing with something we have no control over.

We do have control over one thing, our actions. So, my family and I try and do what we can in this situation.

I think about my mom’s situation and realize there are many people out there alone, needing someone to listen to them, comfort them, or support them.

What are some things we can do to help our mental health during this crisis?

• Be an ear for someone who needs it. Be there for someone. My mom has told me no matter how many times she repeats her fears, issues, I have listened, tried to give advice. Just being there for someone can help both parties.
• Limit your news time. As i mentioned, I used to watch the news daily. With the never ending negative stories of racism, coronavirus, police issues, it was hard to digest and not feel angry or sad. As I mentioned, reading a newsletter, you don’t get the tone you would when watching television. You can select what you want to read.
• Call a friend or video chat. My sister will use Face TIme and call me or my mother just to chat. Being able to bounce ideas or thoughts about the current situation can help as well. If you aren’t speaking to someone, you may not understand all of the media that is out there. Think: The media can be very sensational. Talk through some of the things that you are scared about.
• Meditation or relaxation- My mom has used the app Calm, and found it to help with deep breathing exercises  and sessions on how to be less anxious or more relaxed. I do deep breathing when I am anxious and try to focus on the moment. There are also Guided Meditations that can help you be more relaxed and centered.
• Telehealth- therapists are willing to work with you via video and telehealth. Talking to a professional is on a regular basis can help one sort out the problems one is having. Depression, anxiety and lonliness is not something you have to deal with alone.
• Help others- when this first began, we began asking neighbors, who need assistance, what we could get for them at the grocery store. Finding a way to help another person, can help your well being or mental state
• Living in the moment, and one day at a time. I know for me, I loved to plan. Plan trips, weekend get togethers, events like going to a musical etc. With covid, there is no planning. Taking each day as it comes has helped me, helped my mom , when things seem less hopeful.
• Exercise /Movement. This gets endorphins flowing and they help us to feel better I enjoy the peacefulness of a walk on our trail, in the woods, or on the greenway. It enables me to be present and appreciate my surroundings
• Examine how you are thinking. Years ago, when I was first diagnosed with EDS, I went through CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT looks at how we think and how we can change negative or destructive thoughts. A great book for this is –CBT Made Simple- Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger Panic, and Worry.     and if anxiety is what is troubling you, I was recommended this book– I have dealt with Generalized Anxiety Disorder for years now, and these have helped me learn ways to deal with it.
• Do something fun or that brings you joy. We all need joy in our lives! A steady stream of negativity and uncertainty can leave you feeling hopeless or alone. What brings you joy? It can be something simple. For me, seeing and petting dogs- brings me joy! Eating ice cream brings me joy. Think about this.
• Seek additional help if you need it. It is important to take care of yourself, and this includes how you are coping during this time. If you find you are hopeless, feeling overwhelmed or can’t cope , please seek help.

Enjoy the weekend!

Back with more fashion on Monday! ( You know that brings me joy!)

Stay safe

Jess xx