Pay attention to your mental health during this pandemic.
We are all so consumed by the thought of developing the coronavirus. Rightfully so.
But I’m here to remind you to also watch your mental health during this pandemic.
It’s easy to ignore the symptoms telling you that your mental health is suffering during times like these.
Times when we are focused on survival.
But for most of us, there is so much going on physically, psychologically, spiritually and relationally. We are in fight/flight, and after some time, it can take its toll on us.
Some of us feel stuck and confined.
It can feel like the walls are caving in, as a sense of doom emerges.
Some of us are terrified with each potential symptom.
With each sneeze or cough we wonder if it’s our time to get the virus.
Or is it allergies?
When we lose our breath we feel a sense of fear sweep over us.
Or is that just our anxiety making it hard to breathe?
Some of us obsessively checking, checking, checking.
Our temperature.
Where we’re at on food and paper products.
How our family is feeling.
The stock market.
Some of us are lonely.
The FaceTime isn’t enough. We feel a sense of emptiness.
It’s important to note that people are more prone to feeling depressed when they feel less connected.
It’s okay to need more human interaction.
Some of us are so incredibly overwhelmed. With our kids, with our spouses, with our fear. It’s hard to get out of bed and take on the day.
On top of all that, this whole thing could potentially be triggering past traumas, yet you may not have access to your typical coping tools.
Watch your mental health, friends.
Because a mental health crisis is happening, too.
But it’s unlikely you’ll ever hear about that.
So here is someone reminding you that you need to pay attention to what’s happening inside of you, and you need to seek the help and support you need.
I know it’s easy to think you shouldn’t ask for help, “because everyone is struggling right now.”
And while other people may be struggling, that doesn’t make your struggles any less important.
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for help.
Even if you can’t leave your house, you can get meet virtually with a therapist, a friend, a support group.
Your mental health matters as much as your physical health does.
So pay attention to it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Blog