The pandemic has been very hard for many people around the world. During the beginning of COVID-19, 2,000,000 jobs were lost in Canada and over 40% moved from office to working from home. Millions of people have died from the virus and millions are still suffering from long-lasting symptoms called the Long Covid.
Since the pandemic began, mental health professionals have been reporting an increase in patients with mental health concerns. In this post, we will explore some of the ways the pandemic has impacted mental health and discuss how people can seek help if they are feeling overwhelmed. Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Did You Know Mental health Is Impacted By Our Environment?
It’s not just our genes that influence our mental health. Our environment plays a role too. And right now, our environment is pretty stressful. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic has caused “a massive disruption to societies and economies.” This can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and isolation.
For some people, the pandemic has been a traumatic event. If you’ve lost a loved one to COVID-19, or if you’re working on the frontlines, you may be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of anything that reminds you of the event. If you’re struggling with PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help.
The pandemic has also had a big impact on our daily routines. Many of us are now working from home, which can be isolating. And we may not be seeing our friends and family as much as we’d like. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.
If you’re feeling lonely, try to connect with people online or in your community. And if you’re feeling depressed, reach out to a mental health professional for help.
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. But some people are struggling more than others. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you through this difficult time.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help, There Are Resources Available
The Canadian Mental Health Association has a list of mental health resources that can help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Otherwise, our clinic, Pillars of Wellness provides counselling services to help with different areas of mental health such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, eating disorders, anger management, self-esteem, and relationship difficulties.
Our Lifestyle Choices Also Affect Mental Health
According to the WHO, “a healthy diet, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and harmful use of alcohol” can help reduce the risk of developing mental health problems.
So, take care of yourself and make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These things can help reduce stress and improve your mental health.
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. But we’ll get through this together. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you through this difficult time.
Genetics Can Play A Role In Mental Health
Mental health is complex and influenced by many factors. One of these factors is genetics.
According to the National Institutes of Health, genes can play a role in mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. If you have a family member with a mental health condition, you may be at increased risk for developing one yourself.
Of course, having a family history of mental illness does not mean that you will definitely develop a mental health condition. There are many other factors that influence mental health, including environment and lifestyle choices.
Trauma Can Impact Mental Health
Trauma can also lead to mental health problems. Traumatic events can include car accidents, natural disasters, sexual assault, or military combat.
Symptoms of trauma-related mental health conditions can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. If you’re struggling with trauma, it’s important to seek professional help.
Mental Health Is Unique To Each Individual
Remember that everyone’s mental health is different. What works for one person may not work for another. And what is considered “normal” varies from person to person.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you through this difficult time.
7 Tips on How To Keep Your Mental Health In Check
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. Here are 7 tips to help you keep your mental health in check:
1. Connect with people – whether it’s online or in person, social connection is important for our mental health.
2. Get enough sleep – aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat a healthy diet – focus on eating whole, nutritious foods.
4. Exercise regularly – even just a 30-minute walk can make a difference.
5. Avoid alcohol and drugs – substance abuse can worsen mental health problems.
6. Take breaks from the news – too much exposure to the news can be overwhelming.
7. Seek professional help if you’re struggling – there are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.
How To Find A Good Therapist?
If you’re looking for a therapist, there are a few things you can do to find someone who is a good fit for you.
1. Ask around – talk to friends, family, or your doctor to see if they have any recommendations.
2. Do some research – look for therapists who specialize in the area you’re struggling with.
3. Make sure they’re licensed – in Canada, therapists must be licensed in order to practice.
4. Check for insurance coverage – many insurance plans will cover therapy sessions.
5. Set up a consultation – most therapists offer a free consultation to see if they’re a good fit for you.
Long Covid – Mental Health Disaster
The pandemic has been hard on everyone. But for some, the effects have been long-lasting.
Long Covid is a term used to describe the symptoms that linger after a person has recovered from the virus. These symptoms can include fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and trouble sleeping. For some people, Long Covid can be debilitating.
A majority of people living with Long Covid cannot work due to their symptoms impacting their cognitive functions and/or physical conditions.
The medical system doesn’t know yet how to deal with Long Covid. Just a few clinics across Canada provide some support and services. Pillars of Wellness is one of them. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Pillars of Wellness offered a rehabilitation program and a virtual webinar program on self-management.
Wrapping Up
Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being. The stigma around mental is gotten better since the pandemic.
Mental health should be a priority for everyone. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you through this difficult time.
Enkeleda Nazaj
, Psychotherapy
