How to Manage Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this time of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, stress, panic and fear. 

According to the CDC, stress during an infectious disease outbreak can cause many different emotions and responses to the current situation such as fear and worry about the health of your loved ones and yourself, changes in sleep or eating patterns, trouble with concentration, worsening chronic health problems and/or increased use of alcohol or other drugs.

Here are 3 tips to help manage your mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic:

1. Take Breaks from Listening to the News and Social Media 

A lot of mis-information on the news and social media can spread quickly, especially surrounding the current pandemic. Constant exposure to media outlets and social media about COVID-19 is not beneficial to anyone’s mental health. 

We recommend always checking your sources and seeking factual information and advice from health professionals, as well as the Center for Disease Control & Protection (CDC) and World Health Organization websites.

2. Focus on What you CAN Control

Pay attention to your needs and take care of yourself. Eat healthy meals, get adequate sleep and exercise; do the activities that make you feel good, whether that be cooking, practicing yoga, meditating, journaling, watching a good movie or reading.

3. Connect with Friends & Family

Talk to others and check in on family and friends. Even though we should be practicing social distancing, utilize video chat and catch up with your friends and family. Remember, you are not alone in this and we all are experiencing similar feelings and emotions during this time. We are all in this together.

If you have any of the following FAQs regarding COVID-19 and Mental Illness, please visit this document from NAMI.org:

I’m having a lot of anxiety because of the coronavirus. Please help.

I’m quarantined or working from home – lonely and isolated even further – what can I do? 

I don’t have health insurance or a regular doctor – how can I get care? 

What if I’m quarantined and can’t get my medication? Will there be a shortage? 

My business is suffering as a result of the Coronavirus. What assistance programs are available to help? 

Are people who have a mental illness at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19? 

Is there a vaccine or cure for COVID-19?

I lost a loved one to Coronavirus. Where can I find support? 

I’m a smoker. Am I more likely to catch COVID-19? What should I do?

How does homelessness increase risk of contracting COVID-19?

My loved one is incarcerated, are they at increased risk for exposure to COVID-19?

I’m the aging parent of an adult child living with a serious mental illness. I want to be sure they are taken care of. What can I do?

For more info about COVID-19 visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html