There are many reasons to be suffering from depression, anxiety, feelings of being worthless, and more. These feelings are extremely valid. Being Homebound during COVID-19 takes its toll on mental health.
Reasons for mental health issues during COVID-19
- Homebound – Being stuck in the house can be boring, tedious, and dark. Not socializing can have detrimental effects on a person’s wellbeing.
- Lack of exercise – People have been told to stay at the home and therefore have not been exercising. Lack of exercise prevents the release of happy hormones. If you have been asked to stay at home by a health professional it’s important that you Get at least 30mins of exercise still. This will preferably be done on a balcony or in your garden.
- Sunlight – Getting your daily dose of it D is very important. For example, in countries with virtually no, or little daylight during their winter. The levels of depression are very high due to their lack of light. Make sure you still have some each day.
- Fear – Fear of contracting the virus is common. Especially for people over the age of 60 and with a medical history of any cardiovascular problems. This doesn’t have to be! The chances of contracting the virus are very low. If you’re staying at home, you reduce your chances even further. Just be sensible, take the correct productions, and don’t live in fear.
- Isolated with one person – This can be tough. It can put a rain on relationships, tensions run high with couples easily getting agitated with one another. Time apart is sometimes healthy. Although you’re in the same home, take time to concentrate on a hobby, exercise, r artistic activity by yourself. Maybe start a new hobby or learn a language.
How to help mental health during COVID-19
- Psychology – Psychologists are bulk billed and can easily be done via tell health. Get a referral from your doctor and take advice from a health professional on how to deal with the isolation. This can also be helpful for couples therapy with relationships that have been strained due to isolation.
- Get some sun! – Vit D is vital for mental health. Sit on a balcony, go for a walk in a nonbusy area.
- Do exercises – 30mins per day minimum should be done. It’s difficult to get motivation in isolation, but getting into a regime can sometimes help with this. A physio can help with a home exercise plan
- Talk – make sure you’re still talking to other people. wether it’s on skype on the phone. Talking about things can help.
- Don’t turn to alcohol – Its easy to do when you’re bored. Alcohol can make depression worse though.
Extra service has been placed to help people with their mental health. If you have problems contact somebody here.