Stay safe, stay at home. Keep your distance from other people. Don’t visit family and friends. Don’t touch your face. Don’t go out in public unless you have to. There are a lot of “don’ts” associated with the COVID-19 pandemic — restrictions meant to keep us safe from a horrible virus. There are people keeping safe in their homes — but experiencing much more stress than usual.
Disruption in routines can create anger and frustration, and stress from daily (hourly) news reports can easily lead to sleep problems, forgetfulness, and emotional outbursts. Individuals who had anxiety disorders and other mental health concerns before the crisis are particularly vulnerable to the new stresses created by sheltering in place. In addition, support groups and counseling sessions are likely to be canceled, though remote sessions through text and online chats may be available. People who are in recovery from alcohol or drugs may find their support networks are also sheltering in place, making it more difficult to stay on the path to success.
The Marion County Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) is encouraging residents to take extra care of their mental health during this stressful and uncertain time, and use one of the many tools available to virtually check in on the health of those around them. The City’s public safety and public health professionals continue working to assist residents in crisis and connect them with community resources.
OPHS encourages residents to practice habits that promote emotional well-being such as eating and sleeping well, staying active, spending virtual time with friends and loved ones, and taking time to relax.
It’s also important to check in with those around you. Residents can learn the “Five Signs” to help identify when someone may be in emotional pain:
• Personality change
• Agitation
• Acting withdrawn
• Practicing poor self-care
• Expressing hopelessness
Residents who are struggling, or who know someone struggling, can access these resources:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-TALK (8255)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-TALK (8255), press 1
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Call Connect2Help 2-1-1 or visit connect2help211.org for connections to non-emergency mental health and counseling resources
In addition to these resources, people experiencing heightened anxiety during this period can do some things that help relieve some of the stress.
• Even if working from home, stick to a daily routine as much as possible. Get up, get dressed, and get to work at the same time each day. If children are at home, keep them to a routine as well.
• Help others, when possible and safe. Volunteer for a charity, give blood, make fabric face masks for hospitals and nursing homes, pick up trash in the neighborhood.
• Make specific goals and focus on getting things done. This is a good time to clean the garage or attic, read a book you’ve always meant to read, weed the garden, wash the windows, fix that back step, or tackle chores you have put off for a while.
• Call friends and family, or write a letter.
• Limit watching news and social media. We live in the second “golden age” of TV, with thousands of shows available online through streaming services. If the new shows aren’t your cup of tea, several channels available over-the-air have a line-up of nostalgia shows like “I Love Lucy,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and “Perry Mason.”
• Get outside, even if it is to sit in your back yard or on the front porch. Wave to the neighbors walking their dog or kids.
• Maintain spiritual practices, even if you can’t physically go to church. Faith is more than a building. Keep in touch with fellow church-goers over the phone or on social media.
We’ll get through this together. Be well, and be kind.
