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
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
- Most common among
- 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
- Anxiety
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
- Clutter tends to make people feel negative emotions
- 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
- Daily cleaning for as little as 10 minutes can help minimize anxiety — This type of repetitive behaviors may help you feel more in control
- Organize Your Space
- 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
- MoodKit: cognitive behavioral therapy-based app
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- 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
- Therapy: Connect to a therapist through video or text
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://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.bls.gov/news.release/flex2.t01.htm
https://www.cigna.com/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness/