Mental Health Implications of Covid-19

These are my friends. This is one small piece of my tribe. I miss them; I miss my tribe. This picture captures what I’m feeling and thinking during this time of physical distancing - a little fed up, stressed out, and just ready to be done with it. Does physical distancing = social isolation? Does virtual communication successfully replace the need for face-to-face communication and physical touch?

My kids have communicated via Zoom for the first time ever, and one might argue that they are better connected with their friends because of it. In some ways maybe, yes. At their very cores, however, I would say not even close. We are human, designed and created for connection - emotionally, mentally, and physically. No matter how closely we communicate through social media and platforms like Zoom and FaceTime, real face-to-face communication can never be replaced.

Since we remain quarantined for the time being, it’s essential to find ways to “feed our souls” because, like me, you might be feeling a hole where that human interaction used to be. I’ve been reading healthcare and psychology websites that discuss the implications of Covid-19 on our mental health. I have identified three categories of advice: take care of your body, take care of your mind, and connect with others.

Take Care of Your Body

Be mindful of your physical health in the following practical ways:

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.

Matthew 6:28, KJV

Get enough sleep.
Engage in aerobic exercise regularly.
Eat healthy.
Avoid or limit alcohol, tobacco, and/or drug use.
Limit screen time.
Relax and recharge

Easier said than done, right?! What hits home for you? For me, watching Netflix with a glass of wine has increased. According to an article on Forbes’ website, overall liquor sales have spiked during this pandemic. When we lose employment or a significant number of work hours and have a complete change in routine, there’s little stopping us from kicking back and checking out. Maintaining balance and structure is vital to feeding positive mental health. I am committed to limiting screen time by having at least two quiet weeknights in which I read rather than watch Netflix. How will you take care of your body?

Take Care of your Mind

Reduce stress triggers

Maintain a regular routine.
Take a break from watching the news.
Stay busy.
Focus on positive thoughts.
Set priorities and reasonable expectations.

What are your stress triggers? When I feel myself falling into the “depression vortex,” I naturally lean into everything negative and refuse to believe what I know is actually true. It is helpful to be deliberate about positive thinking. Feeling good or bad doesn’t just happen - the mind plays a key role in our emotions. I don’t say that lightly and without sensitivity. I understand and validate the need for more than simply “thinking the bad thoughts away.” Clinical depression is real and can’t be changed by “mind over matter-ing” it, but if you are aware of existing triggers, it does help to focus on the positive to keep your mind from digging itself into a deep pit. I’ve been there. I am committed to setting ambitious but realistic goals and quieting the negative voices. How will you take care of your mind?

Connect with Others

Support and strengthen relationships

Make connections in whatever way you can.
Engage in acts of service for others.
Support a friend or family member by reaching out and maintaining regular communication.

When I’m feeling down and struggling to stay motivated, it is helpful to find something [big or small] to do for someone else. The giver is often blessed even more than the receiver! If you’ve ever struggled with depression or anxiety, you can probably relate to the feeling of complete isolation and falling into the continuous cycle of isolating yourself more and more the worse you feel. Trust me - reaching out and helping others will feed your soul. Force yourself out of your comfort zone and do something small for someone else. No matter how strong and “with it” a person looks on the outside, (s)he is struggling with something inside, whether (s)he shows it or not. We are all humans in need of supporting and connecting with each other. I am committed to sending at least 3 hand-written notes to clients, friends, and family members every week. How will you make connections?

“Trust me - reaching out and helping others will feed your soul.”

There is much more to be said about the topic of mental health and coping strategies during this Covid-19 pandemic, and I would love to continue the conversation! Leave your comments below. And one day I hope that we can continue the conversation over a cup of coffee, looking at each other face-to-face, in an actual coffee shop! Until then, take care of yourself - your mind, body, and spirit.

~Jill