COVID-19 presented unique challenges to those of us who struggle with mental health issues. Some people have been restricted to their home with little access to therapy or treatment in person.
Mental health is difficult to manage in normal circumstances. The global pandemic of mental illness has created new challenges in terms of lockdown, social isolation and distancing.
Isolation can exacerbate many mental health problems. During lockdowns, many of us were forced to remain alone. Many were forced to live with others who weren’t very supportive or understanding of their mental health struggles. Some may have lived with family members who were unaware of the state their mental health was in.
It’s fair to say that it has been a tough year. Before I get into the topic, let me take a minute to say that if you are reading this article and have found these past few months to have been a struggle for you, you are doing an amazing job. You are doing amazing. Ignore the voice in your mind telling you otherwise. We are experiencing unprecedented events. It’s amazing how many times I have heard people say that they never would have imagined something like this in their lifetime. We didn’t see it coming, couldn’t be prepared, and had very little guidance. You should be proud that you did your best to stay afloat.
This global pandemic has gone through many phases. We were first faced with the lockdown challenge, which meant we had to stay in uncomfortable situations, regardless of our comfort level.
Isolation
Lockdown means total isolation for a large number of people. For many of us, being left alone to think was a nightmare.
Our thoughts tend to circle like broken records when we are struggling with our mental well-being. This voice is louder when we are alone.
This spiraling thought process can be very difficult for some people, especially without the option of a physical escape.
Trapped
Others were stuck in homes with people who might not be very understanding of mental health. It was a new experience, and many people felt misunderstood or judged.
Mental health is still a taboo subject for many people. Many people still consider mental health taboo. Our understanding and attitudes towards mental health can vary greatly depending on factors such as our upbringing and race, gender and age.
Being gay can be a challenge for mental health if we were raised in an environment where traditional gender norms are valued.
It can be difficult to live with someone who does not understand or relate to our struggles. Both the person struggling with mental health, and those who are around them may not understand. Sometimes these open conversations are not welcome and impossible to initiate or have in a constructive way.
Surrounded by family, alone
Then there are those who live with their family or in a household with other people that may not be aware of mental health issues. It is difficult to continue with our duties when we are secretly struggling. Some people are reluctant to discuss their mental health openly, but when you are constantly surrounded by others, it can be difficult to maintain a ‘false sense of happiness.
Should I stay or should I go?
Then there was the issue of leaving the home. Even outside of an epidemic, it can be difficult to leave the house depending on the mental issue. Mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or OCD may keep people at home on a regular day.
Sometimes it is easier to just stay in when we are suffering from extreme anxiety.
When we are depressed, it can be difficult to get out of bed.
If you suffer from OCD, leaving your house can cause anxiety, especially during a pandemic or if you have contamination OCD!
Isolation can exacerbate mental health problems like social anxiety. Socializing is a skill that takes time to master. For those who suffer from social anxiety, this requires a great deal of practice.
We’re not in lockdown anymore (Global Pandemic), but we still seem to be in a strange and challenging situation. Depending on where you are in the globe, we can now leave the house with some restrictions. The restrictions change frequently and social distance is still encouraged.
Change can be a challenge for anyone, but it is especially difficult for people with mental illness. People with mental issues are often comforted by routine and structure. It’s hard to manage their mental health with so many unanswered life questions. By living a routined, structured lifestyle we can eliminate these questions and make it easier. COVID helps to create structure and routine, which is difficult with the ever-changing regulations.
Self-Care
It’s important to practice self-care for all of us, but especially for those with mental health issues.
When we dedicate a part of our day solely to ourselves, that’s self-care. Self-care could be anything from making tea to reading a book. It can also include implementing a sleeping routine, talking with friends or actively disengaging. As long as you dedicate time to your own wellbeing, you are practicing self-care.
In these times of uncertainty, we can only rely on ourselves. We may be able to cope with everyday uncertainty better if we take steps to improve our mental health.
You can’t get to the gym any more? You can schedule a class in your home instead of outside. You should only make that appointment. It’s not a good thing to be selfish, but it is necessary for our physical and mental wellbeing. It is especially important for people with mental health issues.
When to seek professional assistance
Contact a professional if you’re worried that you might harm yourself or someone else. Free services offer confidential advice and chats. You can contact the Samaritans, for instance, if you want to speak with someone who is impartial about your mental health.
Talk to your GP if you are struggling with your mental health. You should be able get some guidance and advice on possible treatment options or plans.
