It’s normal to feel sad, overwhelmed, and anxious here and there in your normal everyday life. However, during a global pandemic, those are feelings you might have every day as you try to work from home, school your children, and stay up-to-date with the news.
Moreover, due to the pandemic, our lives as we knew them have shifted. Each of us is facing this national trauma in our own way. Whether it’s the stress of the unknown, worry about the economy, or the effect of isolation, we are all feeling it.
This leads to anxiety and depression, even for those not diagnosed with either. It’s Coronavirus depression. Depression based on the circumstances created by the pandemic.
So do we all have some sort of Coronavirus Depression?
Short answer, probably.
How is this helpful?
You are not alone!
Here are some helpful activities you can do to ease the burden of Coronavirus Depression:
Maintain a Schedule
One of the comforts we found in our lives before COVID-19 was the schedule. Waking up for work at a certain time, lunch with friends on Wednesdays, and getting into bed by 10 pm. The unstructured activity of our days now can lead to passivity and idleness, making us feel depressed.
So, schedule your day. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Make a to-do list the night before and check those items off your list during the day.
Be Productive
Take that to-do list and make them items that would make you feel awesome if you completed it.
For example, finally cleaning out the pantry or writing those thank you cards. Read books that you’ve been putting off or do an exercise video at 2 pm.
Give Yourself Grace
With most of us at home, this time can also feel like a productivity competition. You may be thinking, “I have all this time at home, I should’ve accomplished so much more”. The truth is, you are going through a global pandemic, give yourself a break.
You are allowed to also watch Netflix in the afternoon and take an hour-long bath in the morning.
Give yourself the grace to take a break and take care of yourself.
Schedule Some Facetime
Even though you can’t see your best buds face to face, you can video chat them! Set a time to reconnect. If you’re not much of a talker, plan to be on the phone and watch the same television show together.
To learn more about the symptoms of Depression, click here.
When should you seek help?
If you feel any of these symptoms, it’s never too early to seek help from your doctor or mental health professional. If you feel don’t feel comfortable with that at this moment, reach out to a trusted friend or loved one and share how you are feeling.
When to seek emergency help?
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
We are all in this together. Learn how we can help.