Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in December 2019, health professionals worldwide have worked around the clock to treat the physical health complications associated in a bid to reduce the spread of the infection.
Over a year after the first case of the infection was reported, it is believed that 15.3% of England’s population has now contracted COVID-19.
Sadly, in addition to impairing our physical health and well-being, COVID-19 has seen our mental health during the pandemic significantly altered.
From struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and heightened anxiety, to depression and burnout, the impact of COVID-19 on our mental health is undeniable.
To address the impact of COVID-19 on our mental health, we have reviewed our mental health during the pandemic and delved into what can be done going forward to ensure that our mental health can be managed here.
The Effects Of The Pandemic On Our Mental Health
Over the last 12-months, we have been forced to isolate from our loved ones, advised to stay at home and found ourselves somewhat limited on what we can and cannot do. Sadly, this has seen more than 18% of the Great British public stating that they often feel lonely.
Although isolation has been deemed vital in reducing the spread of COVID-19, many mental health disorders come hand-in-hand with long periods of loneliness.
For example, according to research conducted in Austria, Belgium and Great Britain, the number of individuals living with depression and anxiety during the pandemic has tripled, not just in adults but children too.
The number of people battling eating disorders during the pandemic has also risen. A study published by the National Institute of Mental Health established that 87% of people living with eating disorders state that their symptoms have intensified during the pandemic.
In addition to the effects that isolation, working from home and loneliness has had on our mental health during the pandemic, those who have contracted COVID-19 and now experience the ramifications of long COVID have also come to find that their mental health has become significantly impaired.
In fact, more than 40% of individuals who have received treatment for COVID-19 now require post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. Furthermore, many find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression and insomnia.
How To Manage Our Mental Health During The Pandemic
Although managing our mental health can be somewhat tricky, especially during the pandemic, there are several ways that we can do so.
If you find yourself struggling with your mental health during the pandemic, we have outlined just a few ways that you can better manage your mental health below.
1. Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine
Unbeknown to many, exercise is proven to reduce the symptoms associated with various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and stress.
Whether you enjoy going for a leisurely stroll or prefer to do an online yoga class, exercising for as little as 10-minutes a day can enhance your mood.
As feel-good hormones such as endorphins are released, you will find yourself feeling happier and more optimistic about the future.
2. Limit Your Media Consumptions
As the pandemic began to drastically alter our lives, daily news reports surrounding the negative repercussions of COVID-19 have been almost impossible to avoid.
While it is essential to stay up to date with the ever-changing rules enforced due to the pandemic, watching and reading news updates surrounding COVID-19 has negative repercussions on our mental health during the pandemic.
Considering this, if you hope to manage your mental health during the pandemic better, limiting your media consumption is highly advised.
3. Stay Connected With Your Loved Ones
As the number of people feeling lonely has contributed to the number of people struggling with anxiety and depression, staying connected with your loved ones will essentially help you manage your mental health during the pandemic.
Whether you arrange a suitable time to Zoom or FaceTime or plan a socially distanced walk, regularly taking the time to talk to your loved ones will help you feel calmer.
In turn, symptoms associated with mental health disorders will gradually alleviate. You will also be able to seek reassurance from your loved ones, which will ultimately help you as you look to control the impact the pandemic has had on your mental health.
4. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Over the last 12-months, the number of people struggling with insomnia and restlessness has escalated.
Feeling more tired than usual, stress, anxiety and burnout are more likely to arise when sleep is somewhat limited.
With this in mind, you must try to get a good night’s sleep each night.
Limiting your screen time, removing distractions from your bedroom and even journaling will all help you do so.
Treatment For Mental Health Disorders
If, during the pandemic, your mental health has become significantly impaired and you have turned to drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms, it may well be in your best interest to secure treatment.
Although there is a wealth of NHS treatment providers on hand to provide the treatment you may require, we can offer you almost immediate treatment for addiction and mental health disorders at our residential rehab.
Located in the quiet village of Yardley Gobion, we frequently provide dual diagnosis treatment for people suffering with addiction alongside mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety.
Combining psychological therapies with well-being therapies, our treatments have been recognised as industry-leading.
Contact Us Today For Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you believe that you would benefit from securing dual diagnosis treatment, we welcome you to attend our residential rehab.
Whether you are struggling with addiction alongside depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, at Asana Lodge, we are confident that with our help, you can overcome and manage the mental health disorder and addiction that has impaired your life throughout the pandemic.
To find out more about the treatment we can offer, or to refer yourself for treatment, please call us today on 01908 489 421.
Sources
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-15-3-of-englands-population-estimated-to-have-had-coronavirus-by-mid-january-12207328
https://whatworkswellbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/COVID-LONELINESS-2020.pdf
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/depression-anxiety-tripled-during-lockdown-1.916391
https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
https://theconversation.com/how-the-media-may-be-making-the-covid-19-mental-health-epidemic-worse-153616
