Mental Health in a Socially-Distanced World
With news headlines and media outlets continually reporting statistics and symptoms, let us take a couple moments to remember and care for our mental health.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, it is completely normal and understandable to feel anxiety, stress, and confusion — you are not alone. Despite being physically separated, we are fighting this pandemic collectively as an international community. However, while words of encouragement may momentarily relieve some anxiety, it is important to understand and address the stress that we feel.
Here are some resources and expert-supported tips for supporting our mental health.
Media and Health Literacy
Living through a pandemic with 21st-century technology means that we have innumerable platforms to connect with each other, but constantly being plugged into our devices also makes us more likely to be overwhelmed by information. Though it is important to stay updated and informed, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends “[seeking] information updates and practical guidance at specific times during the day from health professionals.”
Many sources presenting statistical data can be quite intimidating to interpret. The University of Toronto’s School of Public Health developed easy-to-read graphs and tables for updated information on Canada’s situation.
While the video “The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do” by Kurzgesagt may present less statistical data — all their information is well-researched and supported by health professionals (here is a list of their sources). This medium may also be more easy to understand for children and individuals who require or prefer alternate forms of communication.
Finally, check out the Centre for Disease Control’s simple and research-based tips for how we can protect ourselves from infection.
Mindfulness and Online Resources
Practicing mindfulness, intentionally paying attention to the present moment, may help relieve mild anxiety. We can manage stress by firstly, recognizing our emotions and simply allowing ourselves to feel the anxiety. “Just let it be there, don’t try to run away or fix it or control it or judge it”, recommends Tara Brach, a psychologist and meditation coach.
Then, to address our physical reactions to stress, a guided meditation led by a narrator can oftentimes help calm the body and mind. Breathing exercises like “bubble blowing” are also very effective, particularly for younger children.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has created a “Self-care & Resilience Guide”, which can be a useful reference for managing your mental health and improving self-care practices.
Serve Others
A lot of anxiety may be due to feelings relating to loss of control. Although it may be difficult to find certainty during these challenging times, let’s try to identify the things that we can do.
Validate and normalize feelings of anxiousness and stress with your friends and family. For advice on how to support someone who is struggling, check out Jack.org’s resource Be There. Engage in empathetic conversations with your community about how you can support others, and in turn, how others can help you. Remember to check in with folks who may experience additional challenges — individuals who are immunocompromised, of older age, in financially compromised situations, live in homes with domestic violence, or belong to marginalized groups. Stand-up for both our next-door and global neighbours and who are being unfairly targeted by xenophobic accusations.
Importantly, we at Aifred Health would like to remind you to be kind to yourself. We have much to look forward to on the other side of this crisis. As the world slowly heals, please take some time to treat and nurture your own mental health.
The opinions and ideas expressed in this article are solely those of the author. The information in this article is provided for educational or informational purposes only and is not, nor should it be relied on as, nor is it a substitute for, medical advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this article without first seeking the advice of a physician duly licensed to practice medicine in your local jurisdiction. No endorsement of any third party products or services is expressed or implied by any information, material or content referred to or included on, or linked from or to this article.
