Why Is My Mental Health Important During COVID-19?
The coronavirus pandemic is largely affecting our lives. Staying at home has been imposed by governments worldwide. Physical interaction is highly discouraged. The death rate has been scaling up.
As it is now considered a pandemic, not only is it affecting us physically, it is also affecting us mentally. Here's why focusing on your mental health during the pandemic is important:
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IS A THREAT AND THREATS CREATE ANXIETY
Admit it or not, you're afraid of being infected by the coronavirus. You're anxious about the physical contact you make with other people. You're also worried about the well-being of your loved ones.
You ask yourself, 'when will this end?', 'what should I do with my life?', 'will my work be affected by this pandemic?', and the continuous questions lullaby you into exhaustion.
Anxiety develops when there is a threat around you. Despite how microscopic viruses are, the coronavirus is a blatant threat. Its effects are supported by global reports of death statistics.
PERSISTENT ANXIETY LEADS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
Anxiety, like all feelings, intensifies. Immersing yourself in anxiety-provoking content can cause psychological distress. Constantly watching the news and tuning in to the latest updates brought by the coronavirus pandemic are unhealthy. Psychological distress can be reduced by establishing coping or mental health activities.
Staying sane and relaxed is better than staying updated. If you feel constantly anxious because of the content you feed your mind with, detoxing yourself from the world's input is great.
MENTAL DISTRESS IS DEBILITATING
As of July 30, 2020, the confirmed cases for those positive with COVID in the US is now a whopping 4.51 Million. Those with weak bodies or have physical problems are at higher risk if exposed to the virus.
Like our bodies, if our mental health is weak, we are at risk of having mental illnesses. When situations are too stressful for someone's mental health, it will be a struggle.
Those who were identified as struggling with a mental problem or illness have a higher risk of relapse in times like these. This claim is supported by numerous mental-health-related deaths and calls of distress.
YOUR DISTRESS AFFECTS OTHER PEOPLE
Have you noticed how you're easily affected when someone has a different mood? This happens vice versa too.
Our mental health can affect others. If you're feeling upset, you exhibit outbursts reflecting your mood. This affects the people around you.
During the coronavirus pandemic, most of the countries are in lockdown. Some aren't allowed to go out, and some are stuck in unhealthy homes. Domestic violence increased, and other types of abuse.
If you are struggling with your thoughts, there's a tendency it will manifest through your behavior. This can affect the ones you are interacting with. Mental health activities like grounding techniques, home exercises, or journaling can help you cope with what you're bottling in.
Related: 5 Ways to Calm Down
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH INFLUENCES YOUR RESPONSE TO THE SYSTEMS AROUND YOU
The coronavirus pandemic doesn't only affect you, it also affects the systems around you. The economy, healthcare, government, and educational systems are affected by the coronavirus.
Schools are closed. People are laid off from their work. Businesses are closing. Hospitals are battlezones. These are the pandemic's effects, and your mental health influences your response towards these sad truths.
In these times, your mental health is vital because it helps you create a positive or negative perspective towards what is happening.
If you're taking care of your mental health through different mental health activities, you will persevere and overcome the challenges thrown at you. Take active steps—your mental health matters.
