Mental Health and Coronavirus: Adjusting to a New Normal
We’re living in a time in a world that we never could have guessed 2020 would bring us. With the words ‘uncertainty’, ‘unknown’, ‘impossible to predict’, and ‘breaking news’ becoming part of our daily lives, the disruption of routine can make this temporary new norm feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar. There is no more 8 AM rush hour, no more school zone traffic, no more lines at the Starbucks around the corner – even daily annoyances are unsettlingly absent.
We watch friends, family, and neighbors (from a distance of course) adjusting to each new Coronavirus guideline for flattening the curve. We wait on the lines six feet apart to shop for groceries, careful not to linger too long or touch anything unnecessarily. We have become more proactive (kind of) in home workouts and spend more time walking the trails outside in the neighborhood. Social distancing means adjusting to the new Zoom lifestyle, using video conferencing for work, hanging out, and just connecting with others outside of our homes.
As we think about all these changes and adjustments to our way of life, how are we adjusting for our mental health? With so much emphasis on physical wellness, it can be easy to forget to take one’s mental well-being into account at all. It can be difficult to even pinpoint how you feel when the days just seem to blend together. How are you right now? Bored? Anxious? Depressed? Stressed? Lonely? Scared? What does it mean when the most exciting thing you look forward to this week is going grocery shopping?
We are living through a difficult time that is challenging to our social nature. As humans, routine and communication are helpful, sometimes vital forms of stress-relief. As important as the new guidelines are to implement for our health and safety, we also need to recognize the importance of mental health for our well-being. It is something we need to give some attention to as well, whether your new coping skills include Tik Tok videos or not.
The CDC has a whole section of their Coronavirus updates dedicated to the mental health impact of living through Coronavirus. Their tips include taking time away from the constant news cycle to reduce stress, being mindful of your nutrition, getting daily exercise, and avoiding drug and alcohol use. While illicit substances may provide a temporary escape, not only is this an unhealthy coping mechanism, it may be detrimental for those who do become ill.
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse and need help, Discovery Point Retreat is here for you. Our telehealth services allow clients to receive access to comprehensive addiction treatment from the comfort and safety of their homes. During this global health crisis, it is more important than ever to stay connected and get the support you need to achieve sobriety. Call us now for more information.