If you’re feeling like a mental health toll of the pandemic is hitting you hard, you’re not alone. Life has been stressful and tough, and two years of that can really take a toll on us all.
It’s important to know when our emotions are taking over and we need to reach out for help.
Sometimes our mental health can be so vulnerable that we don’t even realize how bad it’s gotten until someone else tells us.
So what do we do if we think our mental health is really taking a hit? There are things we can do to help our mental health:
1. Take care of yourself
Whether you’re trying to manage your own stress or that of a friend or family member, self-care is essential. Get enough sleep, eat right and exercise.
2. Put your mental health first
You can’t be there for anyone else if you aren’t there for yourself first. Focus on activities that make you feel good — even if they feel like luxuries right now — and give yourself permission to experience joy.
3. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help
Therapy can help with burnout in a number of ways, from providing support and affirmation to offering practical tips for managing stress. Try teletherapy if you don’t want to go in person.
4. Reach out for support
Talk about what’s going on with a trusted friend or family member who will listen without judgment or criticism. You could also join an online support group for people experiencing similar problems or struggles; being around others who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less alone and isolated.
5. Get out of your head. It’s easy to get stuck in your own spiral of thoughts about the pandemic, but there are ways to get out of it. Acknowledge your feelings, then focus on something that can take you out of your own head. Journaling is one way, but so is talking to someone or just taking a short walk outside. Exercise is also known to help relieve stress — try going for a run or doing an at-home workout.
