Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash
As the public attempts to rid the world of the remaining social stigmas surrounding mental health, everyone can work on raising awareness of the issues. This year, many of us have been focused on mental health options during COVID-19. The world has gone through some major changes in a short period of time, and that can increase anyone’s anxiety. Some may be avoiding care because they have a fear of contracting the virus. With the outcome of the pandemic still unknown, it is important to know how to get help with mental health issues when you need it.
Virtual Therapy
If you are experiencing mental health issues and seeking a therapist, but are afraid of contracting COVID-19, virtual therapy may be the best option. Below are tips on how to have a successful virtual therapy session:
- Find a safe place in your home, or even in your car, to regularly hold a therapy session. Going to the same spot each time can help you form this into a weekly or monthly routine.
- If you live at home with family members that you wish to speak about, it would be a good idea to type out how you’re feeling while in a video meeting. This would prevent you from having to restrict what you have to say.
- Take advantage of the fact that pets can now be a part of the virtual home therapy session! Having a pet in the room can make the experience much more comfortable.
- Because your therapist might have more difficulty reading your body language through a camera, it is important to be much more descriptive of your feelings.
Call A Hotline
Some of us don’t currently have health insurance, or, especially, the income to afford therapy as a result of the pandemic. Another good resource would be a crisis hotline. There’s a hotline to call for almost any issue you might be facing. Some provide an online chat for people who are too anxious to talk over the phone. Taking advantage of this resource could help any of us de-stress and declutter our minds during such an unpredictable time.
Talk To A Friend
Sometimes the best thing to do is to reach out to a friend who you can talk to about how you’re feeling. Most likely, your friend needs someone to talk to as well. Look out for each other during these unprecedented times. Many people are losing loved ones, and it’s important that each of us gets the support we need. Sometimes confiding in people that we trust can be the best source of medicine for our mental health, depending on what issue we may be dealing with.
Continue To Educate Yourself
Although the world may currently seem like a crazy place, continuing to stay educated on the topic of mental health is still important. We must keep improving the lives of the mentally ill, especially in a time when they need the most help. Below are some websites where you can continue to educate yourself on the various mental health topics and treatment options during COVID-19 and in the future.
