The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global health disaster like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Many lives have tragically been lost to the virus, and countless other people have had their lives changed forevermore by its ceaseless spread across the world.
Countries have suffered incredible losses, populations have been forced into lockdown, and our way of life has changed immeasurably. As well as the harrowing death toll, we also have to take into account the terrible fact that many people have struggled with their mental health during this difficult time.
Various college essay papers have been written on the subject, exploring the ways in which people have struggled with feelings of fear, confusion, loneliness, and anxiety during the pandemic, and while it might seem like this anxiety is impossible to deal with at times, there are helpful coping methods to try.
Stay Safe
If you’re dealing with fear related to the virus, one of the simplest things you can do – and one of the key pieces of advice for everyone during this global crisis – is to keep yourself safe. Make sure to wash your hands, keep your distance from others, wear masks, and follow all necessary safety guidelines. Keeping yourself physically safe will allow you to put more focus on your mental well-being.
Limit Your Exposure to Worrying News
One of the big factors that have led to so many people struggling with anxiety, depression, and helplessness during this pandemic is the fact that a lot of us have been following the news more closely than ever, trying to keep up with all the latest developments. While it’s important to be aware of the latest news, watching it non-stop can be detrimental to your mental health, so give yourself a break now and then.
Exercise Regularly
Another key way in which you can defeat pandemic-induced anxiety is to make sure you get plenty of regular exercise. Physical activity isn’t just good for your muscles, heart, and bones, but it can do your brain a lot of good too. It has been proven that people who exercise regularly tend to be less stressed, with higher levels of mood-boosting chemicals such as serotonin and lower risks of anxiety too.
Eat Well and Avoid Junk
As well as exercising often, you should also make sure that you’re eating well and avoiding any unnecessary junk foods too. Junk and processed foods can actually harm your mental health, leading to fatigue, stress, loss of concentration, and negative moods. Good quality foods with vitamins and minerals, meanwhile, are much better for both your mind and your body.
Steer Clear of Alcohol
A lot of people have been drinking more alcohol during lockdown, with some even using it as a coping mechanism to get through these difficult times. However, far from helping you cope, alcohol will often make the situation seem even worse. It can raise your risk of physical and mental health conditions and make you more irritable, moody, and stressed out too, so try and stop drinking or limit your consumption during the pandemic.
Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Quarantine and lockdown laws might have made it hard for many people to be able to see their loved ones and get together with friends and family. This can lead to serious feelings of loneliness and despair. However, there are still many ways for you to keep in touch with those you love, even if you aren’t able to see them physically. You can contact them over the phone or organize video calls via Skype or similar platforms, for example.
Do What You Love
One of the best ways for you to deal with depression and other negative feelings during this challenging time is to lose yourself in your favorite things. Spending too much time watching the news or worrying will only intensify your negative emotions, so it can be very liberating and good for your mental health to simply sit back and watch a movie, read a book, play a game, do some yoga, or do whatever you enjoy the most. You might even be able to develop a whole new hobby or skill.
Final Word
Life in lockdown has been challenging for so many people across the world, and it’s taken a real toll on mental health, but with the right attitude and approach, you can get through this and help your loved ones through it too.
Author Bio: Susanna Balashova is a creative magician in a world of (mostly) boring marketing. She uses her creative skills and in-depth topic knowledge to make dreary or complex subjects much more interesting for all, as well as offering dissertation writing services for the benefit of others with leading providers like Essayontime. In her free time, she enjoys writing fanfics and drawing sketches. Find her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
