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Maintaining mental health amidst the pandemic

piyumi

May 06, 2021

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The world has never been the same since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2019 with an alarming intensity. The pandemic is still ongoing all over the world and it has not only caused adverse physical distress but also psychological and emotional distress as well, not only to the patients but also to the entire community. So, maintaining your mental health is crucial during these trying times.

Usually, the spread of disease and increase in deaths during large outbreaks is associated with anxiety, fear and grief. Social restrictions due to quarantine isolation and shutting down of non-essential businesses can have gruesome effects on the population. Social restrictions can lead to feelings of loneliness and the shutting down of businesses will leave many citizens unemployed and these will further prove detrimental to one’s mental health, leading to the development of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

 In a study conducted on US citizens, it was found that during August 19, 2020–February 1, 2021, the percentage of adults with symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder during the past 7 days increased significantly (from 36.4% to 41.5%), as did the percentage reporting that they needed but did not receive mental health counseling or therapy during the past 4 weeks (from 9.2% to 11.7%). So, it would be sensible to assume that Sri Lankan citizens might be similarly affected because we all boil down to being human at the end.

 So, after seeing these statistics New York Times columnist Dr. Lisa Damour recommended a few ways in which we can maintain our mental health during these trying times;

1. Recognize that your anxiety is completely normal

“Psychologists have long recognized that anxiety is a normal and healthy function that alerts us to threats and helps us take measures to protect ourselves,” says Dr. Damour.  She recommends letting your parents or a trusted adult know if you’re not feeling well, or if you’re feeling worried about the virus, so they can help.

2. Create distractions

“What psychologists know is that when we are under chronically difficult conditions, it’s very helpful to divide the problem into two categories: things I can do something about, and then things I can do nothing about,” says Dr. Damour. Dr. Damour suggests doing homework, watching a favourite movie or getting in bed with a novel as ways to seek relief and find balance in the day-to-day.

3. Find new ways to connect with your friends

If you want to spend time with friends while you’re practicing social distancing, social media is a great way to connect.

4. Focus on you

Have you been wanting to learn how to do something new, start a new book or spend time practicing a musical instrument? Now is the time to do that. Focusing on yourself and finding ways to use your new-found time is a productive way to look after your mental health.

5. Feel your feelings

Missing out on events with friends, hobbies, or sports matches is incredibly disappointing. “These are large-scale losses. They’re really upsetting and rightly so to teenagers,” says Dr. Damour. The best way to deal with this disappointment? Let yourself feel it.

If you’ve tried all these methods and can’t seem to find anything that works for you or you’ve been experiencing more anxiety and stress than you can manage, please do not hesitate to seek out medical help. There is absolutely no shame or stigma in seeking help for yourself. If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please contact;

‘1926’ Helpline by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

 011 2696666, 011 2692909, 011 2683555- Sumithrayo hotline

About the Author:

piyumi

Piyumi Weeraman

I am Piyumi Weeraman, a 2nd year Medical Student with a diploma in IT and business management, and I've always been passionate about words and all that I can convey through them no matter how miniscule. I am thankful that I've been bestowed upon the opportunity to share them with you all.
"Words are seeds and bullets. Hope mine hit you on impact like a bullet and plant in your hearts like a seed, shining light on the path to better our society by bringing awareness to key topics."

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