You are not alone

Isolation is not good for us. We need each other for support and for fun, especially when we are dealing with the stress of a pandemic, financial uncertainties, and worries about our health or our loved ones’ health. The phased approach to opening the state — slow and careful to make sure we control the spread of the virus — is important not just for our economic growth but also for our mental health. It’s important to see our friends and family. From six feet away and wearing a cloth face covering.

It’s important for all us to take care of our mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a time when we remember that 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. If you are one of these 20 percent of Americans, know you are not alone. Here are some ways to support your mental health.

Take care of your body

Start with the basics. Eat nourishing meals; get 30 minutes of physical activity every day; get 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Take a moment to breathe slowly and deeply.

Take care of your brain

If you are being treated for a mental health condition, make sure that you continue to take your medication as prescribed. Sign up to have refills delivered to your house. Does your therapist or mental health care provider offer telehealth appointments? The COVID-19 pandemic may have you feeling more anxiety or more isolated. Check with your health care provider to see if your medication dosage is still appropriate.

Do something fun

Make sure to take time every day to do something you find fun or creative. Take a walk in the sunshine, enjoy nature, play a game, or work on a favorite hobby. Or if fun is too much for today, maybe take a shower. Drink some water. Take some deep breaths.

Connect with others

Talk with people you trust about how you are feeling. Stay virtually connected with friends, family, and neighbors when you aren’t able to see them in person. Keep in touch with people who care for you and who you know you can contact for support if your mental health declines.

Don’t try to do everything today

If you are feeling overwhelmed, decide what must get done today and what can wait. Your schedule may change and your priorities may shift and that is okay. Recognize what you have accomplished at the end of the day.

Find support for your mental health

This can be a stressful time. It is normal that you or your loved ones might feel anxious, sad, scared or angry. You are not alone. It is okay to seek out and ask for help. The resources on Washington’s COVID-19 website are a good place to start.

Practice compassion

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. Mental or emotional illness can feel isolating, but none of us is alone.

More information

Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.

Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our call center at
1–800–525–0127. Hours: 6 am-10 pm, seven days a week.

Department of Health call center: 1–800–525–0127, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week

Please check our website for the most up-to-date info on Washington’s response to COVID-19 at www.doh.wa.gov/coronavirus.