Mental Health Under Quarantine

Quarantine. Staying in place. Full lockdown. All of these ways that we find ourselves in social distancing starts to take a toll on our mental health and well-being. How can we overcome these effects of social isolation? Share with your family and friends!

Mental Health Under Quarantine

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Mental Health Under Quarantine

With the spread of COVID-19, at least 29% of Americans could be working from home

  • 18% of households have at least one member who has lost their job or had their hours reduced
  • Don’t let more time spent at home and rising anxiety impact your health

The Effects of Social Isolation

  • Social isolation may lead to risk for many health conditions, including
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart disease
    • Cancer
    • Stroke
  • Short periods of isolation can increase anxiety or depression within a few days
    • Social isolation affects us because relationships help us cope with stress
    • 77% of Americans report having close relationships that provide emotional security and support their well-being
      • Most common among 
        • High-income earners
        • People over 65
        • Married couples
        • Those with a graduate degree
  • Individuals with no prior history of mental health issues may now experience:
    • Difficulty sleeping, concentrating and finding a normal routine
  • Individuals with existing conditions are having their symptoms exacerbated
    • Anxiety
      • Uncertainty
      • Feeling a lack of control
      • Waiting for new developments
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
      • New requirements for washing hands and not touching the face may cause repetitive cleaning behaviors to spiral out of control
      • Distracting individuals from other necessary tasks

For workers forced to work from home, a few simple tips and adjustments can help ease the temporary transition

Adjusting To The New Normal

    • Organize Your Space
      • Create a dedicated workspace and decorate with office knick-knacks
      • Avoid working from your bedroom, couch or kitchen as it can be difficult to mentally shift away from work at the end of the day
    • Keep It Clean
      • Daily cleaning for as little as 10 minutes can help minimize anxiety — This type of repetitive behaviors may help you feel more in control
        • Clutter tends to make people feel negative emotions
          • Confusion
          • Tension
          • Irritability
          • Worry
        • Clean spaces help foster positive emotions
          • Happiness
          • Calm
          • Sense of wellbeing
      • 70% of Americans say cleaning the home gives them a feeling of accomplishment
        • 61% say cleaning helps them de-stress
        • 54% say they experience relaxation
  • Stay Connected
    • Stay connected to coworkers through messaging apps like Slack
    • Keep in touch with family and friends through texting, video calling, phone calls, and social media
  • Create A Routine
    • Change out of your pajamas to help you mentally shift into work mode
    • Exercise: Workout to an exercise video on YouTube
    • Go for a walk: Stroll through a park and leave your phone at home
    • Limit news intake: Mute keywords on social media if necessary

During this crisis it is imperative for individuals to take steps to stay mentally healthy and strong

Resources for Mental Health

    • Anxiety and Depression Association of America
      • Tips and tools for managing mental health during the crisis
    • Online Tools & Apps
      • MoodKit: cognitive behavioral therapy-based app
        • Track mood, activities, thoughts, diet and social engagement
      • Meditation: Guided meditations on a monthly plan 
  • Headspace, Calm
    • Therapy: Connect to a therapist through video or text 
      • Talkspace, LARKR, Brightside
    • Human Resources: Employees may qualify to receive mental health services, including teletherapy, in addition to traditional insurance

Many organizations are stepping in to help those affected by the pandemic — it’s up to you to search for the resources you need

Look after your mental health — it’s in your control.

Sources:

https://www.uwkc.org/news/unemployed-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-heres-where-to-get-help/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/18/coronavirus-isolation-social-recession-physical-mental-health

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/doctor-note-coronavirus-mental-health-200318064257416.html

https://fortune.com/2020/03/12/working-from-home-coronavirus-remote-work-telecommuting-wfh-covid-19/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a26898773/how-cleaning-helps-anxiety/ 

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/18/how-to-file-for-unemployment-due-to-coronavirus.html 

https://www.fastcompany.com/90477766/feeling-anxious-right-now-these-therapy-apps-can-help-you-manage-your-mental-health 

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/flex2.t01.htm

https://www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness/