Pandemic life has forced many of us into isolation. Being social animals, it is very difficult for most of us to adapt to solitude.
It is important to understand that depression or anxiety is due to fluctuations in the makeup of hormones in the brain. Stress can make mild depression worse.
Initial steps to cope should include lifestyle changes- diet, exercise, fresh air, and getting away from triggers such as the continuous news cycle of social media. Apps and websites such as headspace, meditations apps help with “switching off”. Being intentional about finding happiness within your environment is crucial.
Take care of your mental health. You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. We all react to stress in our own ways. As a primary care doctor, I have seen a wave of mental health issues that my patients are struggling with. We have also noticed a significant increase in the use of alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs. If alcohol is consumed, it should be in moderation—up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men—and only by adults of legal drinking age. Switch to non-alcoholic beverages if you have started drinking daily during the pandemic.
It is important to understand that if you/ a loved one feels overwhelmed, that you should seek help. Talk to your primary care doctor or provider to discuss whether you should be referred for counseling or medications.
For immediate help in a crisis Call 911 (US Only).
Below are some resources:
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for
English or Hablamos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
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