Coping with Covid Mental Health
First of all, we have all had to adapt to the new social “norms” of Coping with the turmoil of COVID-19. Second, fighting against the spread of the virus brings many kinds of unintended consequences. This , this is especially challenging for Covid Mental Health issues. For example, fostering a mental illness crisis. Furthermore, this novel virus is wreaking havoc on people’s health in ways with little connection to the virus’s devastating primary effects. The UN has been warning of a subsequent plague of mental illness problems. Other examples of unintended consequences of lock-downs has shown an increase in domestic violence.
Pandemics are stressful
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a very stressful event. Hence, creating turmoil for Billions of people. First, there is the fear and anxiety about a deadly disease . Hence, this could be overwhelming and cause strong levels of stress in adults and children. For example, public health actions, (social distancing and mask wearing) can often cause people to feel isolated and lonely. The results, increased stress as well as new found anxieties. However, these actions are needed to lower the spread. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
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Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones.
- Concern about your personal financial situation or income producing job.
- Loss of public support services .
- A noticeable difference eating patterns.
- Difficulty falling or remaining a sleeping or troubles concentrating.
- Worsening of long term health issues.
- Hard time dealing with of mental health conditions.
- Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol or drugs.
Take care of your mental health
Most people are going to experience increased levels of stress during these scary times of a pandemic. For many, the Fear and anxiety that they are feeling can be overwhelming. Finally, they will cause some strong emotions. If you are feeling out of control, act immediately.
Get immediate help in a crisis
- Call 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal : 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal .
- National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal : 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotlineexternal: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chatexternal icon
- The Eldercare Locatorexternal: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructionsexternal
- Veteran’s Crisis Lineexternal: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chatexternal or text: 8388255
If you need help with or treatment for substance use disorder
- SAMHSA’s National Helplineexternal: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
- Treatment Services Locator Websiteexternal
- Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centersexternal
Every person will react to Covid Mental Health stressful situations differently
How you respond to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic will vary. For example, based on your background, your social support from family or friends. Other factors, one’s own financial situation, health and emotional background. In addition, the community you live in as well as many other factors. The changes that can happen during the pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus will have an affect on everyone. Hence, careful of those with Covid Mental Health problems.
Individuals that may respond more strongly to increased stress of a crisis often will include:
- Individuals that are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (for example, older seniors as well as men and women with certain underlying medical conditions).
- Youg Kids and teenagers.
- Individuals caring for family members or loved ones.
- All of the “Frontline” workers. For example, health care providers and first responders,
- Essential workers in the food industry.
- People who have had an ongoing mental health conditions.
- Individuals who use substances or have a substance/drug/alcohol use disorder.
- men and Women that have lost their jobs or had their work hours greatly reduced.
- Individuals who have disabilities or developmental delay.
- Socially isolated people. For example, those who live alone, and people in rural or frontier areas.
- Those living in some racial and ethnic minority groups.
- People who do not have access to information in their primary language.
Remember to take care of yourself and your community
Did you know that taking care of your friends or family is a great stress reliever. However, this ought to be balanced with self-care. Helping others cope with their stress works to lower both yours and their’s. Finally, during these frightening days of social distancing, people need to keep social connections to best care for their own mental health. Finally, those with Covid Mental Health may need special care.