When the Situation Drags On… COVID-19 and Your Mental Health
Life as we knew it was put on pause, and we quickly understood that a new normal would take over. For most of us, these types of changes cause a great deal of stress.
As the pandemic drags on, so does the stress it brings to our lives. It deeply affects our mental health. Life as we knew it was put on pause, and we quickly understood that a new normal would take over. For most of us, these types of changes cause a great deal of stress. It is normal to feel stressed, tired and even depressed as we try to keep up with the news, but at what point should we be concerned and seek help? Who can we turn to?
Just like physical health, mental health is important and must be factored in as we seek balance in our lives. A number of symptoms can alert us to the fact that it is time to take care of ourselves. Here are some of them:
- Constant worry and insecurity
- Feeling overwhelmed by the events
- A negative view of things or daily events
- Persistent feelings of despair, sadness and anger
- Too much or too little sleep
- Inability to carry out daily tasks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability, aggressiveness
- Loss of contact with loved ones, isolation
- Increased consumption of alcohol, drugs and medication
These symptoms may develop slowly and take some time to recognize. If these symptoms seem familiar to you, do not hesitate to talk about it with a loved one before taking action. It can be difficult to admit that you are struggling with mental health, but it is completely normal—even more so in these challenging times. Taking care of yourself includes taking care of your mental health. Taking a break from stress, engaging in an activity you enjoy, doing sports or meditating are all great ways to release tension. Remember that help is just a phone call away. Do not hesitate to contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada to find out more about the help available to you, such as peer support and support groups. Your community services manager can guide you towards the best resource for your needs. For more information about the services visit our website here.
Keep in mind that, although the situation is beyond our control, there are actions we can take to help us adapt and get through these times together.