How to handle stress, mental challenges during the pandemic

These are complex and uncertain times as the world battles COVID-19. Many people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and afraid. The longevity of the pandemic complicates the situation, bringing more angst and frustration.

During June 24–30, 2020, 40.9% of U.S. adults surveyed reported considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The impact of the pandemic has been broader and longer than probably most of us imagined back in February or March,” said Nicki Moon, clinical supervisor in the Mental Health Public Safety Program and CIT Coordinator for the Henrico Crisis Intervention Team in Henrico County.

Simple tasks such as going to the grocery store have become more challenging “as we sort through how best to approach them,” Moon said. “One of the challenges as we face new events is that we can’t fully predict potential hurdles. Research is evolving every day as scientists continue to sort through the evidence. It can be hard to keep up with what the current best practice is.”

The pandemic has caused an increase in stress due to “social isolation and a lack of in-person supports, difficulty accessing medical care and services and overall uncertainty and fears due to deviation from the normal way of living life and interacting with others that has been created by COVID-19,” said Kathy Harkey, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Virginia.

NAMI Virginia has seen an increase in people reaching out for help for a number of reasons, everything from feeling anxious, depressed or helpless with no control over current events to people having difficulty working from home while their children are at home.

“Or, they just want to speak with another person in hopes the personal connection will offer solutions and help alleviate anxiety,” Harkey said.

It’s normal to experience feelings of stress as we “face the unknown,” Moon said.

Coping can be more of challenge for people that already have a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression.

“They are coping the best they can,” said Harkey. “Many are utilizing tele-medicine for medical care. Some are accessing online programs and support groups such as NAMI’s Peer-to-Peer program and the NAMI Connection Support Group.”

Common strategies for coping
Finding a way to grow or come out of this time better than when we entered it is a great “idea with a forward focus,” Moon said. “Do you want to plant a garden? Or learn a new language? Or learn a craft or hobby? Pick something that appeals to you, and it will be fun.”

Other coping strategies include trying to find ways to relax such as yoga, meditation, prayer, listening to music, etc., eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and walking or exercising in other ways. If you having trouble sleeping, establish a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and relax. Also, limit your use of electronics before bed.

People find comfort by connecting to others and being supportive and encouraging of “one another,” Harkey said. “Walk together while adhering to 6-foot social distancing. Know the resources in your area and share that info with others.”

People are calling friends and reconnecting, checking on each other weekly, she adds. “They are adding positive structures to their daily lives such as limiting the amount of time they watch the news and incorporating time each day for something they enjoy like art, music, yoga, etc.”

Finding resources
Anyone having trouble coping with stress, anxiety and depression during COVID-19 can find information and resources online at NAMI Virginia’s website, namivirginia.org, or Mental Health America of Virginia at mhav.org.

“Talk with someone outside of your sphere, whether through a hotline, your community services board, a private therapist or other options that might be available to you through an employer,” Moon said.

There are many apps – such as Headspace, Calm and Super Better – that can help with calming practices.

“There are so many resources out there,” Moon said.

Living through the pandemic can fell hopeless at different points in time. You have to start looking at things that are under your control and thinking about how you can emerge from this time better than before, she said.

“It’s about practicing gratitude and being appreciative of the things we do have,” Moon said.

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Phone resourcesThe Emergency Services Program in Henrico provides a rapid response to critical situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Henrico residents can call (804) 727-8484.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255, available 24 hours a day.

Online resources
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services – www.dbhds.virginia.org
Mental Health America of Virginia – www.mhav.org
VOCAL Inc. – www.vocalvirginia.org