We all know that COVID 19 had a tremendous effect on the health of many around the world, but what about its effect on our mental health?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our day-to-day lives. The stress triggered by a pandemic can have an effect on children and adults. Due to global public health actions, social distancing, and business closures there has been an economic strain, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiousness.
Learning to cope with stress, loneliness, and anxiousness is vital to your mental health. It is only natural to feel stress, anxiety, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stress can appear in the following ways:
- Feelings of fear, quick to anger, worry, or frustration
- Changes in appetite, energy, desires, or interest
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping
- Worsening health
- Increased headaches, body aches, stomach aches
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other substances
How can you cope with the increasing stress?
- Take care of your body- practice healthy habits on a daily basis.
- Connect with others- talk to people you trust about anything that you may be feeling.
- Take breaks from the media- at times it may be overwhelming to constantly relive the details of the pandemic. Taking a break will allow your mind time to rest.
- Make time for relaxation- participate in activities that you enjoy.
The pandemic has affected all of us. If you need assistance working through the current stressors of the pandemic, call Texas Harmony Counseling Center at (832) 352-1600 to set up an appointment with a counselor. We are here for you!
