Maintain your mental health during the pandemic
Here we are nearly a year into a world dominated by COVID-19. And what a long, strange and emotionally trying trip it’s been. Beyond the financial and physical health challenges the virus has caused, many of us are experiencing significant mental health concerns, as well. It’s essentially been both an individual and a collective trauma that we’ve all had to deal with in one form or another.
Studies are revealing a big increase in mental health issues, ranging from mild or moderate to clinical mental illnesses. From frontline health care personnel to college students, K-12 youth and essential workers, many are experiencing a serious decline in their mental health. Some are understandably wondering whether they have, or at least may be heading toward, a mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
Despite the promise of the new COVID vaccine, the stress and emotional impacts of COVID are not going to go away any time soon. Thankfully, there are things we can do to maintain our mental health this year.
First, don’t let “social distancing” become social isolating. There are ways to stay in touch with friends and family in a COVID-compliant and COVID-safe manner. This is extremely important as we are inherently social beings requiring connection with others. Phone calls or online video get-togethers are viable options. I’ve appreciated having periodic “re-ZOOM-ions” with family and friends. Also, you can safely be with others in person (no more than 5 total!) outdoors with masks on and appropriate distancing.
Second, the “stay home” message is an important one. But it does not mean stay locked inside your home 24/7. It means keep your trips outside your home to a minimum — especially if they involve being indoors around others. “Cabin fever” is a real condition that can eventually lead to a severe decline in mental health. Bundle up and get outside, even if it’s just to take a 20-minute walk around your neighborhood. The emotional benefits of getting outside in the sun are well-proven. If you hike, great. Put your mask on and enjoy a hike in the mountains or just walk the trails along the Rio Grande. But you can also get the benefits of nature (what I call “eco-therapy”) just outside your front door.
Finally, avoid subjecting yourself to unhealthy “toxic” experiences, such as watching violent TV shows or engaging in heated ugly political exchanges with people on social
media. Limit your TV and online news intake; much of it is quite negative. This is tough and takes discipline because many of us, including me, are strangely drawn to some of those things. But they are not good for our mental health!
Please note that I am not recommending you do anything that is not COVID-compliant or that jeopardizes your physical health if you are immunocompromised or have other health issues that may make you more vulnerable to getting COVID. Importantly, if you’ve been feeling really down or anxious for more than a couple of weeks, consider seeking professional medical help.
For more information on maintaining your mental health, check out www. newmexico.gov/stress. Also, as a board member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Fe Chapter, I’ll be giving a free online talk on “Boosting Your Mental Health Immune System During COVID-19” on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 6-7 p.m. For more information and to register, go to www. namisf.org
After 11 months of enduring this pandemic, feeling rather down at this point is totally understandable. Realize, however, that you can help maintain your mental health by taking proactive measures to do so.
In addition to serving on the NAMISanta Fe Board, Craig is also the Chair of the Board of The Life Link — a 30-year nonprofit providing behavioral health, housing and other services to New Mexicans in need.