COVID-19 has made a lot of people struggle with their mental health. Anxiety, uncertainty, fear, negative feelings and worrying thoughts are rising in all of us. When a global event shakes our normal functioning and habits, we ought to adapt, no matter how hard that feels.
But, that’s easier said than done for quite a few people. Some individuals already struggled with their mental health even before the start of the coronavirus. Others are finding it hard to adapt to our new ways of functioning. Thus, in the past year, the number of people battling depression has risen. This can feel particularly challenging in the winter months, when we may face increased feelings of isolation due to even more limitations on activities outside our homes.
In this post we’ll take some time to look through healthy ways to cope with depression or depressive moods during COVID-19. If you, or someone you know, have a hard time assimilating these changes in functioning, reach out for help for depression.
The best way to cope with psychological difficulties is to actively work on them. We only find out how strong we are in times of battle. With the right counselor, every psychological mountain can be conquered. And trust me, the view from up there is marvelous.
Without further ado, let’s move our way through ways to cope with depression during COVID-19.
Find a Hobby, Rediscover your Passion
Our everyday life takes its toll and most of adult people don’t seem to find the time to pursue a hobby. But, always looking on the bright side of life, I say – now is the time to do so! Yes, COVID made lots of changes on our social habits, but we can still make some use of it, right?
Close your eyes for a minute, calm you mind… What was that special thing you loved to do as a child, an adolescent, before thoughts weighed you down? Now is the time to get back to it.
Arts and crafts
Being creative, listening to music, watching movies… The list is endless. I don’t propose you become the next Picasso, I’m just saying – give yourself some anti-stress medicine by doing something you love. The point of arts is expression, not being featured in art galleries.
Start small and see where it goes. If nothing else, the arts and crafts are a perfect tool to express your feelings. Pour your feelings into some form of creation and the weight on your shoulders will lift, at least a little. And, this can be done inside during the cold winter months!
Exercises or hikes
You need to spend energy in order to gain energy. Find some online fitness or yoga courses and start exercising. Staying fit has a lot of benefits for one’s wellbeing.
For one, your physical body will thank you. Second, it’s well known that if you actively engage in something, your mind will be in it too, so it will cut back on negative thoughts. Lastly, being in nature reduces stress. If you are one who doesn’t mind the colder weather, a short hike can do wonders for you. Breathe some fresh air, take some pictures, and explore nature and its inhabitants.
Break the cycle, keep yourself active.
Try something for the first time
There always is something new to try. Think of something that you’ve always liked to try, look for suggestions on the Internet or consult with your friends. New activities will keep you engaged and you might just find out that you are pretty good at it or enjoy it very much.
Finish previously started projects
With the COVID-19, we had to spend time at home, whether we liked it or not. Even now, when we try to get back to normal, we are staying home more than usual, especially during the colder months. So, this is the perfect time to finish projects that you started previously.
No matter if it’s a small home renovation, decluttering, getting rid of old clothes or tools, cleaning up the garage or fixing the rotten fence in the backyard, now you have more time to finish that off.
One of the biggest problems with depression is the cycle of lacking motivation and feeling guilty about that. People with depressive symptoms often think that they’re not good enough, that they can’t do anything right or find faults in everything they do. This mindset perpetuates the struggles because not finishing tasks reinforces guilt and a sense of worthlessness, which in turn, lowers motivation even more.
One way to break this cycle is to start off small. Finishing something that you’ve started some time ago, can give you the boost in motivation you need. One rotten plank might not seem like a lot, but it is a finished project. One at a time and you have yourself a new fence.
Limit outside negativity
News and social media are flooded with updates about the coronavirus, but they won’t do any good to your mental state. Limit your exposure to news and dedicate your time to something productive.
Also, cut back on contacts with people that drain you. Saying this is easier if you are a third, uninvolved person because relationships are complex. Even so, try to surround yourself with positive people. Maybe you can’t cut people out of your life completely, but you can choose who you spend more time with.
Reach out to others
Coronavirus restrictions are more or less lifted and we, as a society, try to find ways to function despite the health risks. But, for a lot of people anxiety and fear kick in when they need to get outside in these conditions.
Nonetheless, we can thank the Internet and the opportunity it gives us. If you have symptoms of depression or depressive mood, reach out to others and find support! Through social media and video/audio calls you can connect with dear friends, collages or acquaintances.
Plus, you can find support groups and people with similar backgrounds where you can share your thoughts and feelings. We all need to feel connected and understood, and when it comes to depression, no one will understand you better than a person with the same struggles.
Lastly, reach out to professionals for depression counseling. Some things don’t sort themselves out, and depression can be one of them. With the right therapist (and some work!) you can take control over your thoughts and feelings and start living your authentic you. It’s not an easy road to walk, but it is a fulfilling one.
Final Words
With the coronavirus, we all fight uncertainty, fear, demotivation, anxiety, stress and loneliness. Depression and depressive moods are hard and heavy. The vicious cycle of lacking motivation and feeling worthless is amplified even more in these uncertain times.
The best way to cope with depression during COVID19 is through small, simple steps. This is a good time to rediscover some of your forgotten passions or try something new. You can also use the Internet for inspiration, to connect with friends or people with similar conditions, and find yourself a support group. Starting small also includes finishing started projects and getting a confidence boost out of that.
Nobody can fight depression alone. So, if you or someone close to you struggles with depression, please reach out for help through depression treatment. The best way to tap into your potential is by working on yourself. A suitable and good therapist can help you on your way to a fulfilled life.
Start Therapy for Depression in Baltimore, MD
Depression can feel lonely and overwhelming but at New Connections Counseling Center we are here to help you. To speak with a therapist regarding depression counseling during the COVID-19 winter, reach out to New Connections Counseling Center today.
Other Services Offered at New Connections Counseling Center in Baltimore, MD
Our team of therapists also offers anxiety therapy and alcohol abuse treatment. Mental health issues can have an impact on our relationships as well. New Connections Counseling Center specializes in counseling for relationship issues, in addition to individual relationship counseling. Our counselors want to help you connect positively with yourself and others.
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