From finances to socializing, it is no secret that the current pandemic has caused a rift in what daily life looks like all across the board. While some individuals have been more impacted than others, it’s nearly impossible to find anyone who hasn’t had to make significant adjustments to how they operate in their present or plan for their future.
Because we’ve all had to abruptly adapt to an unprecedented situation, it’s not surprising that the sudden changes and lingering uncertainty have taken their toll on the nation’s collective mental health.
If you’re personally experiencing new or worsening signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, it can be comforting to know you’re not alone. According to a KOAA news article highlighting data from the Census Bureau, nearly a third of adult Coloradans reported feeling signs of anxiety and depression when surveyed.
What Pandemic-Related Issues are Affecting Mental Health in Colorado?
Unsurprisingly, the issues cited most commonly as catalysts for anxiety and depression in the survey mentioned above relate directly to feelings of general life stability as well as feelings of loss of control, including:
- Changes in the education system. Many school districts in Colorado have decided to begin the upcoming semester with remote learning, and the plans for after that are still up in the air. For parents of young children, this can be a stressful situation to handle. If the parents are able to work from home, balancing their work-life balance with the job of being a homeschooler can be overwhelming. For parents who are unable to work remotely, they often feel as though they need to choose between their employment and their children if childcare is not easily accessible.
- Loss of income/expected loss of income. A large number of workers in Colorado have experienced abrupt income loss, and many more are concerned that they will.
- Housing and food insecurity. Tied right in with income, Colorado residents experiencing financial insecurity are concerned with losing their homes and being unable to put food on the table for their families.
- Medical care. Uncertainty regarding access to medical care often causes stress in those who are uninsured, and this feeling is naturally amplified during an epidemic.
In addition to these, general feelings of isolation, as well as feelings of burnout from those on the front lines, are also factors that can take a toll on mental well-being.
Coping Skills Can Help You Through These Stressful Times
While the state of things right now may seem chaotic and unsure, the good news is that there are coping skills you can utilize to feel more empowered in taking charge of your mental well-being.
Be Kind to Your Body and Mind
The more that you intentionally care for your body and mind, the better you will feel overall. Below is a list of Important self care steps to put into action:
- Practice good sleep hygiene. When feeling anxious or depressed, you may experience times when you sleep too much or too little. Getting the right amount of restful sleep is important for your health, mood, memory, and concentration, so try and be intentional about practicing healthy sleep habits, which you can read more about here.
- Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Eating healthy and exercising play big roles in keeping your body healthy, which is a smart thing to prioritize during a pandemic, but they can also help with your mental well-being. Physical activity helps boost chemicals in the brain that enhance mood, creating a more peaceful state of mind (though it’s important to check with your doctor about what kind of exercise is best if you have any health concerns). Following through on exercise and sticking to a healthy eating regimen can also lead to a sense of accomplishment, which boosts self-esteem.
- Practice mindfulness daily. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices, which can include activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can help lower stress levels, lead to better emotional control, improve focus, and help to better adapt to trying circumstances.
- Try to keep a daily routine. When life feels a bit chaotic, keeping a routine is a helpful way for you to establish order and consistency in your life. Try to eat, sleep, exercise, and work around the same time every day, and be sure to prioritize activities you enjoy as well.
Create or Strengthen Connections
It’s important to maintain social ties right now, as feelings of loneliness can compound with and aggravate negative feelings and emotions. Staying involved with loved ones will help you preserve your sense of community, so try your best to engage in regular social interactions, whether that’s through a weekly Zoom chat with a friend or an ongoing group text with your family.
You can also look for ways to safely connect with others in your community by taking an online class or joining a virtual book or movie club.
Additionally, you can make connections with others and boost your mood by finding ways to give back. Helping others has been linked to better health and happiness, so consider donating to a charity if your funds allow, organizing a socially distanced group to clean up garbage in a park, or volunteering at a local organization you believe in. As long as the cause you choose means something to you, you should feel a boost in mood while doing something positive for your community.
Stay Informed but Not Obsessed
While it’s important to stay up to date on what’s happening in the world, it’s also okay to take sporadic breaks from the news. Tuning in constantly to media sensations can be overwhelming and add to stress, so don’t be afraid to step away from your screen. Try to strike a healthy balance between staying informed by reliable news sources and taking time to focus on areas of positive focus, such as being creative, reading a book, or watching comedy.
Know What Resources Are Available to You
One way to feel more empowered in an overwhelming situation is to know what options are available to you. Covid-19 is affecting many areas of life, and there are many community resources offered by the state of Colorado, municipal governments, and individual organizations to help those who are struggling. Whether you’re hoping to find rent and utility assistance, employment opportunities, food banks, or remote learning resources, staying up to date on what help is out there can ease anxiety and feelings of uncertainty.
Joining social media groups relating to these concerns can connect you with others in similar situations, and it can help you discover additional outlets for assistance that may not be as widely known.
Seek Out a Colorado Therapist
When practiced consistently, these coping skills can help you adapt to the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic in a way that allows you to feel empowered, healthy, and clear-minded. That being said, sometimes it may be necessary to reach out for assistance beyond these self-help measures.
If you feel that your stress, anxiety, and/or depression has surpassed manageable levels, it may be a good idea to seek out a Colorado therapist to help you navigate your journey towards contentment. Many therapists have expanded their teletherapy options, meaning you now have access to a wider pool of professionals when looking for one who will meet yours specific needs.
Looking for a Lakewood Therapist or Virtual Therapy in Colorado? Get in Touch for a Free Consultation!
I understand that this is a tough time for a lot of people right now. Reaching out for help is a big step towards cultivating a path that is conducive to reaching your goals and living your best life. My main areas of practice include life transitions, depression, stress, anxiety, PTSD and career change.
Finding a therapist whose therapeutic approach is a good match for your needs can take time, which is why I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This way, we can connect, and you can ask me any questions about my methods before you schedule your first session.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Lakewood, CO or the surrounding area, I am currently offering socially distanced sessions or walk-and-talk therapy, and I also provide teletherapy options to anyone in Colorado.
Feel free to browse my website, or get in touch to see if I may be a good fit.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Delia Berinde, MS, LPCC
Looking Forward Counseling, PLLC
Lakewood, Colorado Therapy