—Matt, 36 But, many of those same people are now returning to their everyday lives and their psychological well-being is improving. I’m hopeful that conversations about mental health are going to stick around even though the world is returning to normal. For individuals who struggled with mental illness long before COVID, watching other people move forward can be frustrating when you’re feeling stuck. Even though you might think you’re the only one who is still feeling bad, you’re not. There are plenty of other people who are having a hard time right now, too. So just know you’re not alone. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts
Don’t Judge Your Feelings
Whether you’re feeling jealous of people who are feeling happy again or you’re angry that your mental health isn’t getting better, whatever you feel right now is OK. Instead, name your feelings. Just putting a label on them can help your brain make more sense of what’s going on. And that might even make you feel a little better.
Get Ongoing Support
You don’t mention how you’re being treated for your anxiety and depression. Do you see a therapist? Are you taking medication? Do you attend a support group? Make sure you’re working on a solid treatment plan with professionals you trust. If you aren’t getting any treatment, talk to your physician. Your doctor can refer you to mental health professionals who can assist you. That’s not to say treatment is going to magically make you feel better. But it can be a step in the right direction. Of course, if you’re already working with a therapist, your physician, or a psychiatrist, make sure to talk to them about how you’re feeling in relation to the pandemic. It’s important for them to know how this is affecting you.
Talk to Other People
Of course, it’s not just the professionals who can assist you right now. Talking to trusted friends and family members might help too. You might find that some of them are feeling the exact same way as you. They just might be hesitant to bring it up first. You might find solace in a support group. There are plenty of online groups for individuals with anxiety and depression. if you don’t feel comfortable going to one in person. Others who have a history of depression and anxiety may know exactly what you’re going through.
Limit Your Time on Social Media
If you’re seeing a lot of people celebrating the pandemic restrictions being lifted on social media, limit who you follow and how much time you spend scrolling through social media. Don’t be afraid to use the mute function either. If seeing friends going on vacation or hearing about how happy your family members are now that they’re getting together again doesn’t make you feel good, don’t look at it. Whether you like following mental health accounts that offer actionable tips, or you enjoy keeping tabs on your favorite actor, follow accounts that inspire you to feel your best right now. It’s also not a competition. Mental health is like sunshine. There’s plenty to go around for everyone and someone else’s happiness won’t take anything away from you. Managing your mental health is an ongoing process. Think of it more like a marathon rather than a sprint. Even when you’re feeling better, self-care is key to keeping your symptoms at bay.
