As our world is continuing to be affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, people are social distancing and businesses are closing to help “flatten the curve”. While this is critical to help contain the spread of this virus, isolation and quarantine have proven to have negative mental health effects on people. It is essential to take care of your mental health, no matter the duration of your isolation.
With so much uncertainty and stress already affecting our lives, it is important to take steps to reduce the negative toll quarantining can have on your mental health. Research has shown that this type of isolation can potentially have a number of effects, from low mood and irritability to symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. It was also reported that social isolation can lead to poor sleep, poor cardiovascular health, lower immunity, depressive symptoms, and impaired executive function. When your executive function skills are impaired, you may find it more difficult to focus, manage your emotions, remember information, and follow directions. This is due to the feelings of no control, feeling cut out from the rest of the world and not being able to complete one’s usual routine and tasks. Time seems to move by slower and a sense of cabin fever may arise.
The good news is there are things you can do to cope…
1. Establish routines and maintain structure
2. Try to stay active
3. Combat boredom by staying busy
4. Keep communication and stay connected via phone and social media
5. Stay informed but don’t let information become overwhelming
6. Remember to take care of kids and elders, too
7. Remember the importance of why we are doing this
If these feelings become too overwhelming, always remember to reach out to someone you trust. Your mental health is important.
We will get through this together!