Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
By now, you have heard of the recent news concerning the new stay-at-home advisories in the Chicago area. While this new order isn’t as restrictive as the one we went through in March, it still cautions us to try to stay home as much as possible. There is no doubt that these quarantine orders have made an impact on people dealing with mental illnesses. But as we draw closer to the end of this year, what else can we can do to continue to keep our mental health in order? Here are a few ways to maintain your mental health during the shutdown.
Cope with Pandemic Fatigue
Many people today are tired of this pandemic. They are tired of wearing masks and mostly staying in the house. There’s a phrase for this and this is known as pandemic fatigue. This fatigue is not exactly a health condition, but it is a condition that has caused many to develop a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness, just to name a few. If you have found yourself experiencing this, help is available for you.
Stay in touch with your friends and family on Zoom. Take up a new hobby such as baking or decorating. Continue to eat healthily and get adequate amounts of sleep every day. Engage in some exercises that will help to alleviate stress.
Continue to Reach Out to Family and Friends
If you’ve already been helping elderly people and people who are less fortunate, continue to do so. Give them a call to make sure they are doing well and staying safe. Ask them what they want you to bring them or if any errands needed to be run. Send them a card or a gift basket to make them feel better. Doing things for other people is a great way to keep your mental health in shape. It keeps you busy and makes you feel good about yourself.
Another group of people you could help is the disabled. Reach out to them in any way you can, whether it is over the phone or email. Do their house chores and cook for them. Also, help out with any laundry needs they have. Find it in your heart to help those who are less fortunate.
Don’t Overindulge in Drugs and Alcohol
Being mostly stuck in the house has caused many people to succumb to drugs and alcohol. The winter holiday season is one of the times where people are most likely to be bombarded with these things, especially alcohol. This is known for being the busiest time of the year for most people, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to find relaxation in alcohol and drugs. These two things only worsen your mental health issues and may trigger panic attacks. Also, research shows that about 20 percent of people with a mental health disorder such as depression also have a substance abuse disorder. When you feel you need to relax, turn to a healthier coping mechanism such as listening to soft jazz music.
Keep the Faith During this Winter Shutdown
The winter season is going to be looking a lot different this year. But we all can manage our mental health in the winter with professional guidance and help from family and friends. However, now is also the time to rely on a different kind of guidance during this shutdown. For those who are spiritually minded people, that guidance comes from God.
But in the meantime, continue reaching out to family and friends as much as you can, don’t succumb to overindulging in alcohol and drugs, and strive to cope with pandemic fatigue. Doing these things will help keep you maintain your mental health during the shutdown and through this winter season. If you or someone you know are feeling down this season, contact us for more information concerning mental health treatment.
