Mental Health In The Age of A Pandemic: Staying Sane & Developing Coping Strategies

I believe I speak for the majority when I say that the events of 2020 have made a lot of people feel as though the world is ending.

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It has been reported that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has sent the general stability of mental health into utter deterioration.

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Whether it be situational anxiety caused by the overall uncertainty of this difficult time, or preexisting symptoms that have only been aggravated by these rather odd and unstable circumstances, mental health has reached a tragic point of concern alongside the physical health aspect of this pandemic.

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"I am completely isolated and alone with nothing but my thoughts. How can I endure this time of world spread suffering and devastation when I have to upkeep my own struggles and inner demons?"

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"Being with others is the only outlet for me to escape myself." This is my worst nightmare.

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"I have no idea how to keep this up throughout the vaccination phases. I need human contact to feel normal and reenergized."

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"I already have so much to worry about in my mind. What if this sends me over the edge?”

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“Distance learning is not working for me. I have no motivation. What’s the point?”

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All jokes, theoretical concepts, and politics aside, this is a time of mass hardship for almost every individual alive.

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I will not further burden your mind with the well-known effects of this pandemic on the workforce, economy, healthcare system, etcetera. Instead, I want to focus on the issues that have arisen for those struggling with mental health hardships, with the intent and hope to ease your mind.

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Take a few minutes, breathe in and out, and understand me when I say this: even though we are physically apart, we will never be closed off to one another. We will get through this together, in heart, soul, and mind.

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1) Stay Calm

Yes, I am aware of how basic and, frankly, annoying this may sound. Trust me, I am the first person to call out seemingly pointless tips and claims. However, you must also trust me when I tell you that actively checking in with yourself and actively attempting to calm your mind and body is an incredibly useful tool. If you begin to feel anxious, isolated, stressed, or overwhelmed, tell yourself to remain calm. When we become scared or experience any similar emotions, our brains begin entering a mode of panic. If we counteract this chemical signal in the brain, we will be able to relieve the fear.

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"How do I do that, exactly?"

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I will admit, it is not a perfect strategy, however, it is rather simple and useful. Tell yourself - whether it be mentally, verbally, or both - that you will be okay; whatever you are experiencing, while it is valid, is not going to demolish your life.

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Yes, it is devastating not being able to see your friends every day at school.

Yes, the world is experiencing a time unlike anything it has seen before.

Yes, there will be longstanding effects of this time that endure beyond the present moment.

No, we cannot take control of this situation and beautifully make it disappear.

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But, it is key that we focus on what we can do to shorten this period and ensure that both we and our neighbors on this Earth remain safe.

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In short, practice being mindful. Talk with yourself (with social distancing and all, you are all you've got for the most part.) Take advantage of this time to better understand how your mind works. -

Try asking yourself the following:

Do you overreact or jump to worst-case scenario conclusions easily and/or often?

Do you know what actions, songs, people, books, shows, movies, scents, etc. help you to calm yourself and wind down?

Are you able to tell yourself to calm down simply, or do you need further (mental or physical) methods to do so?

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Your mind is mysterious and powerful - The most recent advances in mental functions within the brain still only account for an extremely limited supply of knowledge; studies and discoveries are made every day by scientists and scholars worldwide. Theories are made, studied, proven, and disproven more often than we could ever begin to fully grasp. (My psychiatrist and I have shared numerous conversations, theories, and findings within the last few months alone; I have an incredible social life, don't you think?)

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You genuinely have the ability to alter your thinking in a more positive direction. Use that superpower for good!

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2) Limit Your Social Media Usage

Alright, I have two disclaimers to make with this. My first is that I am fully aware that I sound like your mother and the mental health pages you see on Instagram. Secondly, this blog is considered an informative/educational platform, and I therefore deem it unqualified as a social media, thank you very much. :)

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You have heard it time and time again that social media and elevated screen time have been proven detrimental for countless individuals and their mental well-being.

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The truth is simple: when we focus solely on impractical standards and desires that the media often project towards us, we are bound for disappointment and dependency on ingenuine forms of communication and contact.

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WHAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT ALWAYS REAL

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The images, captions, videos, stories, and scandals you scroll through are only mere excerpts of an individual's whole existence. In all cases, really, you cannot possibly understand the whole picture; we, as viewers and consumers, are only meant to see what they, as the content producers, intend for us to see. We know not the full extent of what is within their mind, heart, body, and soul. We are not aware of how many drafts they created to find that one perfect caption; nor are we aware of how many photos, videos, or filters they ciphered through to finally create the post they wanted. We only see the final product - not the effort put into it.

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We not only rewire our brains to admire outrageously impersonal and unattainable ideals with our social media usage, but we also begin to lose sight of our true intentions and deepest, most meaningful priorities.

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I am not demanding that you cut out social media or technology entirely. This time is far too isolating and lonely to fully eliminate it.

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What you should implement are limitations on your screen time and remain conscious of time, meaning, and intent.

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To earn a better understanding of your relationship with social media, ask yourself the following:

Do you absolutely need to spend another 20 minutes scrolling?

Are you absolutely intrigued and encaptured by what you are watching?

How long has it been since you first began using your phone or device?

How many social media sites/pages, weblinks, profiles, and apps have you visited?

Are you looking for anything in particular? If so, have you found your answer yet?

Is this experience helping you advance as a person, or is it simply to pass time?

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Do not use your phone if you trying to sleep, complete homework, relax, etc.

Do not visit multiple social media platforms in one sitting.

Do not think that you have to “catch-up” and review every single detail, update, or post that you have missed since your last time on the site.

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Set a timer, use screen time controls, remain mindful.

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Allow your mind to rest once in a while. You deserve it. And this time is more important than ever to do so.

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3) Try New Things & Discover What Brings You Joy & Peace

Well, actually, if surrounding yourself with large crowds is what makes you joyful, perhaps this is the time to discover new means of making yourself happy.

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I cannot articulate how perfect this time is for trying new things and discovering more about yourself and the world around you. You have almost nothing but time right now. Use it! Take full advantage of the resources at your disposal.

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Here is my personal list of ideas and possible aspirations that I drafted at the start of quarantine:

Read new books.

Take up photography.

Watch the films, documentaries, or shows that have been on your watch list.

Write in a journal.

Create a blog.

Create a YouTube channel.

Start a podcast.

Learn to sew.

Bake.

Cook.

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If you begin to feel useless, lonely, discouraged, anxious, or in need of a change of mindset, do what you know will bring you some form of contentment or value.

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This time period is odd in so many ways. And it is less than desirable for so many people. Regardless, this is our reality, and it is our duty to make the most of it. You have nothing but potential; do not allow this worldly chaos to diminish that.

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You are not alone.

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This struggle has taken an immeasurable toll, you have every right to feel your feelings.

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There will be a day when we are beyond this.

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In light & peace,

Sofia I. Flores.

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And in the worst of times, you learn of and cultivate the best within yourself.

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