“7 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic”

The coronavirus pandemic has led to increased feelings of anxiety and sadness in everyone, especially in those who have underlying mental illness.

We are worried that we ourselves or a family member will contract the disease. Our social media timelines are flooded with stories of people dying in hospitals alone and it is heartbreaking. Not to mention the isolation and feelings of loneliness as a result of social distancing. Many of us will certainly have post-traumatic stress after this is all over.

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) did a poll in March which found that women and minorities were more likely to say that their lives have been disrupted a lot or some by the coronavirus outbreak.  Overall, 32 percent of individuals felt that worry or stress related to coronavirus has had a negative impact on their mental health.

So, what can we all do to protect our mental health during the coming weeks and perhaps months?

TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you minimize watching, reading or listening to news about COVID-19 that causes you to feel anxious or stressed. Only listen to information from trusted sources and choose one or two specific times during the day to get news updates. The obsessive scrolling on social media is detrimental to your mental health.

STAY CONNECTED: Social distancing does not mean that you need to be cut off from the world. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can trigger a depressive episode especially in people who have underlying depression. Stay connected with your family and friends via Facetime, Skype, Zoom and other messaging platforms. Share openly about your feelings and be willing to listen to their concerns as well.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY: Now is the time for you to make your health a priority. You should be getting adequate amounts of sleep. For an adult, this is at least 7-8 hours each night. Still maintain a healthy diet; try not to binge eat on your sofa.  Stay as active as you can; either indoors or if you choose to exercise outdoors, remember to maintain the six feet social distancing.

MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE: Set aside time for yourself every day to do something that makes you feel good. Journal, take a long bath, listen to your favorite music or read a book. Take care of your mind as well. If you are struggling with anxious thoughts, try activities like meditation or yoga. Meditation and deep breathing will decrease your fight and flight response (sympathetic nervous system) to reduce your blood pressure, slow your heart rate and calm you down. You can check out the many meditation apps which are available for free.  Prayer is also a good way to bring peace to your mind and spirit.

HELP OTHERS: Check in on your elderly neighbors; volunteer to get their medications or deliver their groceries so they do not have to leave their home. Be a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Helping others can help reduce your stress, increases your happiness and gives you a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

DEVELOP BETTER COPING SKILLS: It’s tempting to try to manage our emotional and mental pain with habits such as binge eating or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol but try the healthier coping skills mentioned above.

ASK FOR HELP: If your symptoms of depression and anxiety are causing significant distress and preventing you from doing your daily activities or if you just feel overwhelmed and nothing you’ve done seems to have helped it might be time for you to see a therapist. Many therapists are offering virtual visits so you can speak with them from the safety of your home. This pandemic will not last forever and we will get through this together. Maybe we can come out of this crisis as more resilient individuals.

Dr. Kelly N. Wood, MD is an internal medicine physician, board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism. Dr. Kelly is currently in clinical practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Through a multi-dimensional platform that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, Dr. Kelly lives out her passion to help others achieve total wellness and lead a balanced life. She makes expert health and wellness advice accessible to all through speaking engagements, media appearances, her Facebook show, and personal blog (drkellywoodmd.com). Beyond the stethoscope, Dr. Kelly is recognized as “The Bounce Back Coach,” helping high-performing women to overcome past hurt to have a healthy and happy relationship. Her debut book, “Bounce Back to Better: Recovering from the Disappointment of a Failed Relationship,” walks readers through her personal journey of reconstructing her life after her engagement ended. Please connect with Dr. Kelly at drkelly@drkellywoodmd.com

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

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