How to Handle Mental Health Complications After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lot of effect on all our lives. For the last few months, Mansi has also been facing challenges that are overwhelming, stressful, and causing strong emotions in her. She doesn’t know what to do anymore or how to deal with all of these mental health complications.

Thankfully, Mansi is not alone in her struggle and she has us. To help people like Mansi who have been socially distancing and doing everything to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the first thing that we want to say is that you are doing an excellent job.

We understand that social distancing can make you feel isolated and lonely. It can increase your anxiety and stress levels. This stress can further cause the following:

• Change in appetite, desires, interests, and energy
• Feelings of anger, fear, worry, sadness, frustration, and numbness
• Problems in sleeping or nightmares
• Issues in making decisions
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Physical reactions and symptoms like body pains, headaches, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of mental health problems
• Worsening of chronic health diseases
• Increased use of substances like alcohol and tobacco

Take Care of Your Mind

If you are going through any of these difficulties, then you should know that it is completely normal and okay. Because you can deal with all of these problems by adopting a few simple mental health maintenance strategies. These strategies are:

• Reduction of Stressful Triggers

Maintaining a regular schedule is very important for your mental health. Try to adopt a routine even during the pandemic and stick to it. This means that you should have a regular bedtime, consistent times for meals, set durations for bathing and getting dressed, and exercise.

You should also find time for activities and hobbies that you enjoy. The key here is to bring back predictability in your life so you feel more in control.

• Limiting Exposure to Negative Media

There is constant news on the TV and the internet about COVID-19. Some of those news articles are meant to educate and create awareness. However, there are also some news outlets that are just trying to generate hysteria.

It is important for Mansi and you to avoid news that generates hysteria. Stay away from rumors or any other piece of information that can heighten your fear about this disease. Instead, stick to reliable national and international sources of information like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Busy Busy Busy

Distraction is the best technique that you can follow to get out of a cycle of negative thoughts that leads to depression and anxiety. Try to find a new project that interests you, enjoy your hobbies, or even start to clean your home. But try to keep yourself busy.

• Maintain Hope and Positive Thoughts

Over everything, try to keep your hope alive that everything will go back to normal. Do something positive instead of dwelling on how bad you feel. Start each day by being thankful for all that you have. Try to accept changes as they occur and keep your problems at bay.

It is also a good idea to look for spiritual or moral support during these times. If you have a belief system, then draw strength from it. This will bring you comfort.

• Setting Priorities

It can be very easy to become overwhelmed during a pandemic. This is why it is advised that you should take things one step at a time. Set small goals for yourself and spend time achieving those goals.

Give yourself credit for every step taken in the right direction. Recognize what you are doing well and keep up your efforts. Set priorities that you have been avoiding for a long time and bring some sense into your life in the pandemic.

• Connecting with Others

In the digital age, it is never impossible to connect with someone. Even though you are engaging in social distancing, you can still connect with your friends and family through the internet. Try to text, call, or send emails.

You can install social media applications to meet new people from all across the globe. Have virtual parties and hangouts with your friends. Connect with people that you have lost touch with over the years.

• Help Others

The pandemic has been tough not just for Mansi but for everyone. This is a time when we all can use a little support and help. So, why not look beyond your needs and try to help someone else?

There are several studies that point to the benefits of being altruistic and helping others. Maybe you can support a family member or friend who has lost his or her job during the pandemic. Or you could send small notes to your near and dear ones to brighten up their day.

Mansi has been trying to follow these tips for some time now. She believes that it has led to a positive effect but she wants to do more for her health. And she can do that by also taking care of her body.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

You must have heard the saying that the body and the mind are connected. This is completely true as taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your mental health. Let’s look at some ways of how you can do this.

• Get Enough Sleep

Try to go to bed at a reasonable time and sleep the recommended amount of hours every day. Try to stay as close to your pre-pandemic schedule as possible.

• Stay in Good Shape

Do not fall into a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, regularly engage in physical activities and exercise. This would elevate your mood and reduce anxiety. Some activities that you can do at home include dancing, walking in your backyard, or yoga.

• Eat Healthy Food

Your body needs fuel to sustain itself. This is why you need to choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid eating junk food and stay away from refined sugar. Limit your caffeine intake. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

Relax and Recharge

Even if you follow all of these tips, chances are that you can have bad days and end up sad sometimes. And if that happens, then you need to remember that it is okay. Try to take a day off and give yourself a break as Mansi did.

Relax and recharge. Do what you think is best for you. And if you are feeling bored out of your mind, then Mansi recommends soaking in a bubble bath and listening to music from your favorite band.