By P van der Meer
As someone who has worked in mental health services for a long time, and has struggled with my own anxiety and depression, I can relate to how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic has been on our mental health. Not only has it dominated my own client work in recent years, but the uncertainty and stress of the pandemic led me to seek my own therapy.
In this article, I will discuss the causes of COVID-related anxiety and depression and share some coping strategies have helped me and others manage these difficult emotions.
Causes
Fear of Getting Sick
It’s understandable to feel anxious about contracting COVID-19, especially with news stories counting cases and deaths like sports scores, and public health recommendations to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Fear of getting sick can be incredibly intense for those struggling with anxiety or health-related worries. It’s important to remember that these obsessive thoughts and behaviors aren’t our fault and that you can learn to manage them.
Social Isolation
Even the most introverted among us have felt the sting of social distancing and limited gatherings, but for those who rely on social connections for emotional support, the isolation and loneliness has be especially painful. The lack of in-person communication and physical touch can make it feel like we’re living in our little bubbles, disconnected from the world around us.
I know that being cut off from friends and family for long periods has led to feelings of sadness and disinterest in things I used to enjoy. Finding new ways to connect with others and maintain a sense of community has been a challenge. Remember, it’s not just about whether or not you’re going to have fun at a social event – social support and being around people is crucial to maintaining good mental health.
Financial Stress
Even the most introverted among us have felt the sting of social distancing and limited gatherings, but for those who rely on social connections for emotional support, the isolation and loneliness has be especially painful. The lack of in-person communication and physical touch can make it feel like we’re living in our little bubbles, disconnected from the world around us.
I know that being cut off from friends and family for long periods has led to feelings of sadness and disinterest in things I used to enjoy. Finding new ways to connect with others and maintain a sense of community has been a challenge. Remember, it’s not just about whether or not you’re going to have fun at a social event – social support and being around people is crucial to maintaining good mental health.
Uncertainty
It’s been over two years since the pandemic hit the world, but there is still so much uncertainty about the future. Will we ever go back to the way things were before COVID-19? When will it be safe to gather in large groups or travel without worry? These unanswered questions can leave us anxious and stressed, constantly wondering what the future holds.
You might find it hard to plan for the future when so much is up in the air. It can be challenging to make important decisions when we don’t know what’s around the corner. This uncertainty can be especially difficult for those of us who struggle with anxiety and depression, as it can make our symptoms even worse.
But it’s essential to remember that we’re not alone in these feelings. So many people are grappling with the same uncertainty and fear. By acknowledging and accepting our emotions, we can find ways to cope and move forward, even in uncertain times.
Strategies
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword in recent times, and it tends to detract from what is a simple concept with wide-ranging benefits. Mindfulness involves staying present in the moment and accepting things as they are without judging or resisting them. By doing this, we can better observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, which can help us feel calmer and grounded even when things feel overwhelming. This causes us to be less reactive, impulsive, or acting from a place of fear. Instead, successful mindfulness practice allows us to feel grounded and like we’re growing, not in a constant state of panic.
Exercise
Even if you cannot hit the gym or run outside, there are still plenty of ways to get your heart pumping and boost your mood.
A quick yoga session or a short walk around the block can make a huge difference in how you feel. And if you’re looking for more structured workouts, tons of online classes and home workout equipment are available to help you stay active and energized. Finances aren’t even a barrier – YouTube has a multitude of free resources for those wishing to exercise inside, while walking and running is free for all.
Seek Professional Help
It’s okay to admit you need help, especially during a challenging time. Seeking professional support is an essential step in managing your mental health and many therapists and counselors offer virtual sessions you can attend from the comfort of your home.
If you need help figuring out where to start, talk to your GP or look for mental health resources online. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help or wanting to talk about your feelings, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Practice Self-Compassion
It’s been a tough time for all of us, and it’s not uncommon to feel anxious or depressed, regardless of a global pandemic. But the thing is, when we’re feeling low, we tend to be extra hard on ourselves, and that only makes things worse.
You must treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just like you would do for a friend who was struggling.
You don’t have to feel guilty for feeling anxious or depressed. It’s okay not to be okay. Instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge those feelings and be gentle with yourself. You can remind yourself that it’s normal to feel this way given the current circumstances, and that you’re doing your best.
Remember, it’s okay not to be okay – seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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