A virus thought to be nothing more than the flu quickly becomes a global pandemic. Millions become sick or lose their lives. Lockdowns are mandated. Non-essential businesses are temporarily closed. Outdoor activities and large gatherings were canceled. Students transition to distance learning. Adults adjust to remote work. Unemployment rates reach record highs. Food and other essential products are running out. Racial tension and civil unrest spark protests and riots. Earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires ravage communities across the nation.
Let’s just say, 2020 has been an emotional rollercoaster with no intentions of slowing down. It’s no wonder people report feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed with all that’s going on. The fear of catching the novel coronavirus, the sadness of isolation, and the financial pressures in an economic crisis are overwhelming as the days fly by. While it’s easy to understand how these uncertain times can cause distress, remaining in this emotional state will lead to mental health problems.
Keeping It Together
How do you keep your emotional health intact when things seem to be crumbling around you? Not to mention, there seems to be something new to deal with every other day. The truth is it won’t be easy, but by taking some of the steps listed below, you’ll start to feel relief.
Don’t Hold It In
It may seem like holding in your emotions is the best course of action. However, it’s only a matter of time before those feelings start to manifest. Pent up stress, fear, panic, anger, and sadness have physical, mental, relational, and financial consequences. Before long, you cannot handle your personal and professional responsibilities.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to sit in those emotions. Remember that you’re a human and not a robot. Look for healthy ways to vent or release what you’re experiencing. You can talk to a loved one or therapist, write it down in a journal, punch a pillow, or find a quiet place and cry.
Get Prepared
Uncertainty and unpreparedness exacerbate stress and anxiety. Of course, you’re going to be worried you’ll contract and spread the coronavirus if you’re not prepared to protect yourself. Likewise, you’re going to stress and panic about sustaining a living if your finances aren’t under control. Therefore, the best way to relieve the tension is to create a plan.
Reducing your chances of contracting the coronavirus requires you to boost your immune system, manage existing health conditions, sanitize your home, wear protective gear, and social distance in public. Devise a plan to eat better, exercise regularly, take medications, visit your doctor, and purchase PPE to ease your fears.
Whether you’re an essential worker, working remotely, or are currently unemployed, the stress of not having enough money to survive is genuine. Making adjustments to your finances and planning for the uncertain future will put your mind at ease. Create a new budget, eliminate unnecessary spending, and find ways to save on essentials. Start looking for jobs, side hustles, or virtual businesses you can start to increase your income. Lastly, prepare your future by investing and saving more.
Create a New Normal
Staying close to home, being away from loved ones, and restricted from participating in activities you enjoy for months at a time is bound to cause sadness and depression. Though it can be tough to deal with, you must develop a new normal to keep your spirits up. Essentially, instead of focusing on all the things you can’t do, think about all the things you can.
Develop a new household routine to give everyone more structure. Find things to complete around the house that you put off in the past. Indulge in new hobbies or rediscover your love of old passions. Go back to school or complete an online course to advance professionally. You can call, video chat, or meet friends and family in-person in safe environments. Lastly, use this “downtime” as an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids or significant others.
This year has honestly been one of the most chaotic in decades. It’s only natural that these difficult times would hurt your mental health. Be that as it may, if you’re going to weather the storm, you must find ways to manage your emotions. By incorporating the strategies mentioned above into your life, you’ll have an easier time keeping it all together.
