May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Now more than ever, mental health needs to be acknowledged

It is hard to believe that two months ago we were all going about business as usual, going to the mall, to the gym, seeing family and friends and having dinner together at our favorite restaurant. Now, with life in lockdown, the way forward feels uncertain and bleak. We are faced with a pandemic we didn’t see coming, which has caused an economic crisis and cost many lives. This is particularly difficult to think about when you consider those most affected are the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Navigating this pandemic has been an incredibly difficult experience for many people. Taking care of your mental and physical health can be a challenge. It’s times like these when we are all susceptible to depression and anxiety. What better time than now to consider the importance of mental health on all of us. What can we do to help ourselves, our loved ones and people we know who suffer from mental health conditions?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I believe there is no better time to acknowledge a few subtle, yet meaningful ways we can improve our own outlook and uplift those around us. Here are some things we can do for ourselves and as a community that can bring joy and optimism during these uncertain times.

Connect with your loved ones. Remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Schedule a virtual “hang-out” with Skype, Facetime, Zoom or simply pick up the phone and call friends and family members. If you are feeling isolated and alone, it is important to reach out to those you love. Simply connecting with others can transform the way we feel.

Be mindful and stay active. Stress, anxiety, and depression can wreak havoc on our immune systems. Practicing mindfulness can immediately calm your mind. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and come back to the present moment. Mindfulness does not take long and can be done in small increments throughout the day, depending on how you feel. Going for a walk around the block has the power to improve your mind, body, and soul. Consider ways to utilize your living space or backyard to remain active and move around. There are also online resources available to guide you through a yoga class, strengthening workout, or exercise of your choice.

Take a break from checking the news and find time to focus on yourself. As we do our part to stop the spread of the virus and protect ourselves, it is important to stay informed about current safety precautions including CDC and local guidelines. However, obsessively checking the news may only increase anxiety. One of the biggest setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is our limit on regular activities and schedules. Try to change your perspective from being “stuck inside” to having more time to focus on yourself and your loved ones. Focusing on what you can control can ease feelings of isolation and distress.

Schedule a Telemedicine appointment. If your feelings of depression, anxiety, or other related issues become unmanageable, there are Behavioral Health professionals available to help via phone or video chat. This service allows patients to seek assistance without having to leave home.

Contact Crisis Call Center (CSSNV). For those experiencing dark moments, amplified by the reality of the world right now, Crisis Call Center provides 24/7, free, confidential support. Reaching out to CSSNV can provide hope, connect you with local resources and offer counseling to those in crisis. Please call Crisis Call Center at 1-800-273-8255 or text “CARE” to 839863 if you or a loved one could use immediate help.

As you care for yourself, focus on the things you can do to improve your mental health. Maintain hope for the future and remember to cherish your relationships with friends and connections to family. Take care of each other. As we usher in a new normal and adjust to the challenges of life with COVID-19, these connections have the power to ease our fears and brighten our lives each and every day.