The COVID-19 virus is causing a panic through much of the United States and much of the world. Schools are closed, events cancelled, mass hysteria is prevailing as people stock up on toilet paper. But what toll is this taking on your mental health? Anxiety is reaching an all-time high for many people who worry about their health and their finances. However, there are thing you can do to take charge of your mental health.

 

First, limit your access to social media and the news. You can still be wise and protect yourself through hand washing, social distancing, and other recommendations from the CDC, but keeping the update on 24/7, or even checking often throughout the day can have a negative impact on your health. Check in with yourself and see if the amount of media you’re watching or listening to is having a negative impact on your mental health.

 

Next, take this time to practice mindfulness, to distract yourself through working on those tasks on your to-do list, or to spend time to reconnect with members in your household. This is also a great time to find that uplifting music that puts you in a good mood. I’ve said it often – what you watch, listen to, and pay attention to, will change your focus, change your thoughts, change your feelings, and then change your behaviors.

 

Finally, if these simple recommendations don’t work well enough for you, this is a great time to get in contact with a licensed therapist. Many therapists, including myself, offer telehealth. This is similar to therapy through Skype, except through a HIPAA-compliant platform. Don’t delay getting the help you need. Emotional needs or issues that aren’t taken care of will often have an impact on someone physically.

 

Steffani Wooley, MA, LPC-I

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