Prioritizing mental health while you shelter in place
As many of you probably already know, Governor Steve Bullock recently issued a stay at home order for all Montanans beginning March 28th. Considering the many restrictions and policies that have already been put into place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the order probably did not come as a surprise to many Montanans who are now entering into their third week of social distancing measures. The order does, however, point to the continuing severity of the problem. As of this writing, two Montanans have already died from complications related to the infection and 161 official cases have already been officially reported in the state. By the time you read this blog post, those numbers will have likely changed.
Indeed, the news relating to this pandemic is changing so rapidly that it is hard to keep up-to-date on the newest developments. The dire predictions forecasted by experts and the increasing plight of human suffering related to these events can be difficult to cope with and comprehend. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading expert on infectious disease, predicts that 100,000 Americans or more could eventually die from coronavirus infections. To put this into perspective, that is around the number of Americans who died in World War I. Roughly 2,500 Americans have already succumbed to infection, and the United States now boasts the largest reported number of infections in the world with roughly 143,000 cases. Somebody you know will be tragically impacted by this pandemic.
As the numbers continue to climb and greater degrees of human suffering begin to set in, experts warn the effects could wreak havoc on the state of our mental health. On top of this, many renters around the country are worried about how they are going to make ends meet for the next few weeks and months. (The Missoula City Council has asked landlords to make certain exceptions and allowances with their tenants concerning rent at this time.) While sheltering in place may keep many people safe from the likelihood of infection, the ordeal may prove strenuous on an emotional and psychological level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published strategies, resources, and information for tending to mental health concerns in the wake of the pandemic. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has also published resources for people coping with mental stress at this time.
Although social distancing may place strains on peace of mind and important social networks, don’t hesitate to proactively articulate your worries and reach out to valued friends and relatives. Put into place a plan to manage varying levels of stress. The shelter in place restrictions do not prohibit Montanans from engaging in outdoor recreational activities so long as they practice sensible social distancing precautions. Get out and go for a hike if you feel the need. Take advantage of the downtime to watch your favorite shows on Netflix, but be careful not to binge watch an entire series in one or two sittings. Take a break from certain activities if they become too obsessive or distract from more important responsibilities. Keep up-to-date on latest developments related to the infection, but don’t inundate yourselves with media reports 24/7. Stick to balanced meals and routines. Maybe now you have time to start that novel you’ve been thinking about.
Most importantly, don’t get behind on your school work. You would hate for all the money you are spending on your education to go to waste. Keep in touch with professors and make sure to hand in all your assignments in a timely manner. Learning remotely can present a number of challenges, but it can also present an opportunity to learn new skills and apply different modes of thinking. The stress of falling behind in school will likely exacerbate other stressors you are dealing with right now. A college degree will set you up for increased success as you navigate a challenging job market in the months and years ahead. Don’t let the shelter in place restrictions and other issues related to Covid-19 detract from your future goals and ambitions. Prioritizing mental health will allow youto come out of this predicament stronger than ever.
