Your mental well-being is equally important to your physical health.
During this period of confinement, I have made an effort to maintain regular communication with my friends and family using online messaging and phone calls. Personally, I am coping well as I naturally enjoy staying at home. However, some individuals I care about have been finding self-isolation challenging. While these are undoubtedly unsettling times, it is crucial not to succumb to negative emotions. If feelings of depression, loneliness, or anxiety weigh heavily on you, do not isolate yourself. Your mental health holds significant importance, especially during times of adversity.
Avoid delving too deep into your own thoughts. While a degree of introspection can be beneficial, excessive reflection may lead to self-criticism for trivial matters. Reach out to someone for a conversation, even if it must be done remotely. Whether it be a family member, partner, or close friend, they likely have their own worries and would appreciate a supportive chat. Additionally, reduce your consumption of news to a few times a day. Staying informed is essential during these circumstances, but saturating yourself with updates will only heighten your fear and distress. Gather the necessary information and then turn your focus elsewhere. Engage in enjoyable and constructive activities to occupy your mind. Whether it’s knitting, drawing, or writing, do it for your own pleasure rather than seeking external validation.
If you find yourself in a severely distressed mental state, numerous states, cities, and counties offer crisis hotlines staffed by professional counselors. As many of these services do not require face-to-face interactions, they remain operational despite prevailing conditions. Alternatively, you can contact the national suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
