COVID’s Effect on Mental Health
With the onset of COVID-19 and juggling to restructure our workplaces, homes, schools, etc., we all learned quickly what we needed to do to reduce the risk of becoming infected and prevent the spread if we contracted the virus. Quarantining, wearing a mask, maintaining a six-foot distance from others and proper handwashing were at the top of the list — and still are.
In addition to being diligent about the practices to remain safe while performing everyday activities, the majority of us adjusted to a different work environment. Offices were closed and work-from-home was the new normal — and for some, it still is. Into that mix was thrown children, who could no longer go to school and/or daycare; not to mention most have been forced to restrict socializing. Our lives have been turned upside down and, honestly, have yet to be turned right side up. As if that’s not enough, according to the country’s leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, “We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter because it’s not going to be easy.”
It’s no wonder many of us are experiencing some sort of mental stress. There are those who are more affected by these changes than others, but it’s overwhelming and stressful for everyone. The list below includes symptoms from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that could manifest due to the stress of COVID-19. This is not a comprehensive list and you should always follow your gut if you feel you need some extra help:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
- Worsening of chronic health problems (hypertension or diabetes)
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco and/or alcohol and other substances
Everyone reacts differently to stress and stressful situations. You may be feeling something that no one else is going through, but that doesn’t make your symptoms any less real. Recognizing that you’re not feeling quite right and having a hard time getting through the day is enough. Mental health issues that go unchecked can lead to more serious consequences and can interfere with your physical well-being. Depending on your level of stress, a phone call to a professional counselor or therapist is a good start. You may even be able to schedule a telehealth appointment over the phone. Perhaps one appointment will be enough to help you understand what’s happening and provide the steps to take toward feeling better. People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders are especially vulnerable and should call their healthcare provider if they begin to feel out of control.
Employers are paying closer attention to the mental health of their employees and are looking at overall engagement, the number of work absences and the resurgence of chemical dependency. In response, they are expanding access to behavioral health benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). In addition, worksite supervisors are being trained to recognize the signs of employees who may be struggling. This is also happening at Local 104 where leaders have been trained in the nationally offered SMART MAP programs. This program focuses on leaders and team members providing mental health awareness, solutions and support for union members and their families.
NOTE: Apprentices or Local 104 members who are feeling depressed, suicidal or need help with addiction, should contact their Local 104 MAP representative or sign up with the Beat IT programs.
Sometimes, trying different coping methods to help reduce stress is enough to get yourself back on track, reduce your stress level and help prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Knowing you’re in a better head space is good for you, your family, co-workers and your community in general.
Here are some methods you can try on your own:
- If you think you’ve contracted the virus, call your healthcare professional and get tested.
- Cut back on watching the news and reports regarding the pandemic.
- Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest; when your body is fueled properly, you’re able to think more clearly.
- Talk with friends and family; sometimes sharing concerns helps put things into perspective.
- Take time for yourself; find a hobby, read a book or listen to music.
- Exercise or short walks can help clear your head.
- Meditate to help focus your attention elsewhere; plus, the benefits extend beyond improving your mood.
Consider adding different resources and methods that you haven’t used before. A few FREE resources and apps to help with your mental, spiritual, physical and financial well-being are:
Change Your Headspace: Apps
- Stop, Breathe and Think
- Calm
- Slumber
- Happify
Podcasts While Driving
- The Anxiety Guy
- The Calmer You
- The One You Feed
- The Overwhelmed Brain
Change Your Fitness: Apps
- No gym required
- MyFitness Pal
Change Your Finances: Apps
- Mint
- You Need a Budget
Other Options Include:
- NAMI – free assistance: National Alliance on Mental Illness at: https://ww.nami.org/
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 1-800- 273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741
All of us have been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. We’re truly in this together, so don’t go through it alone. If you feel like you can’t handle much more, reach out to a trusted friend, relative, coworker or a medical professional. Together we’ll see this through to better, more normal times.
NOTE: The information noted in this article is not meant to replace medical or clinical advice and it is not intended to be used as a diagnosis or treatment. This commentary is for general purposes only.