“As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as important to address as are the physical health effects.” – Paul Gionfriddo, CEO, Mental Health America – NATIONAL.
Currently, the majority of you aren’t affected physically by COVID-19, but mentally and emotionally, it is (or is going to) take a toll on you. Even this morning, as I was listening to the radio, people were asking, “When are things going to go back to normal?” We don’t have an answer to this – which can make things even more difficult.
This morning I received information from various sources that I would like to share with you. It is essential to take care of your wellness – today and every day.
[walkwithadoc.org]Walk With a Doc has some fantastic suggestions that I have edited slightly:
1) Please utilize these precious upcoming days to practice self-care. Get your 7-9 hours of sleep, and feel proud about hitting that benchmark. Guess what sleep does for your immune system? Guess what sleep does for your mental health?
2) Journal for a few minutes. The Five-Minute Journal asks you to write three things you are grateful for, three things that would make today great, and asks for an affirmation (Today, I am…). Trust me, it works.
3) Go for a walk. Don’t laugh; all the leaders are recommending it. Go for a walk outside. Go for a lot of walks outside. Guess what walking does for your immune system? Guess what nature does for your immune system? Every single one of us will be dealing with a (temporary) new level of stress – buffer it way down with these walks. We need them now as much as ever. We are not helpless – we can, and we will do this. – Guess what walking does for your mental health?
4) Stay Connected. Make calls, write letters, send texts to people just to connect. Watch a show while you are on the phone with a friend. Stay in the game. This is temporary.
In addition to information from Walk With a Doc. If you or someone you know needs resources and support currently, here are some additional ways to connect and get help:
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or SMS: Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66749 or visit http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov OR https://www.facebook.com/distresshelpline/
- Women’s Health Helpline – 1-800-944-9962 or visit https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/get-help-now
- The National Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-8255 or get the Suicide Safe by SAMHSA App in the Apple Store or Play Store
- Get the SAMHSA Disaster Response app in the Apple Store or Play Store
Thank you all for your work and service to the community, and please take care of yourself!!!
By Kara Hill, Director, Integrated Health Care Initiative at Mental Health America of Greater Houston