Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Kennedy McCormick, Intern

Your mental health can not only affect the way we think but, it can contribute to the way we feel and act. According to the latest United Nation data, almost one people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder, and this includes one in seven teenagers. The United Nations news also noted that conditions such as depression and anxiety rates increased by more than 25 per cent. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused different stressors such financial issues, social isolation, and sickness in many lives. The Mayo Clinic Staff mentioned “Surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the pandemic, compared with surveys before the pandemic. Some people have increased their use of alcohol or drugs, thinking that can help them cope with their fears about the pandemic. In reality, using these substances can worsen anxiety and depression.”

Stigmatized groups sometimes don’t have the proper resources for themselves and their families in the mist of a pandemic. As stated by the Mayo Clinic staff, “People who have experienced stigma related to COVID-19 include people of Asian descent, health care workers, people with COVID-19 and those released from quarantine. People who are stigmatized may be excluded or shunned, treated differently, denied job and educational opportunities, and be targets of verbal, emotional and physical abuse.” Therefore, it’s very important to learn and adapt to self-care strategies to help subsist. Its vital to get the proper amount of sleep to prevent sleep deprivation. This can help set the tone for your day and keep you energized. Creating healthy eating habits and eliminating junk food can help prevent laziness.  Junk food can trigger conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Having a productive schedule to help limit screen time is important too. Things such as televisions, computers, and your phone can distract you from your priorities. Focusing on positive thoughts and saying daily affirmations can help you not dwell on the bad thoughts.

Getting help when your symptoms are worsening can help improve your mental health. Sometimes just calling a family member or a close friend to talk about your feelings can help. Calling your primary care provider to set an appointment to discuss your anxiety and or depression is another option. Not only will you be receiving the proper guidance but, it will be from a professional. You can also contact well-known organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for other treatment needs.

Resources:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline -- 1-800-273-TALK

Trevor HelpLine / Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Teens -- 1-866-488-7386

Crisis Text Line -- Text HOME to 741741

Gay & Lesbian National Hotline -- 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

IMAlive -- online crisis chat

National Runaway Safeline -- 1-800-RUNAWAY (chat available on website)

Teenline -- 310-855-4673 or text TEEN to 839863 (teens helping teens)