I, among many other mental health advocates, have found myself very concerned about the maintenance of mental health while adhering to a "shelter in place" policy during this pandemic. Last week, I blogged a bit about the decline that we are already witnessing in regards to domestic violence. However, it appears, that only a week later the decline continues to grow... Rapidly...
In China, the divorce rate has escalated dramatically, most couples placing blame on too much time together. Many American legal experts expect the same thing to happen here in the US. Read more: https://hauteliving.com/hautelawyer/635280/divorce-requests-up-covid-19-quarantine/
Psychologists here in the US fear that the escalating unemployment rate will result in an escalated suicide rate. In fact, while not necessarily related, the sale of firearms are up as well. Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/acquainted-the-night/202003/will-covid-19-make-the-suicide-crisis-worse. On the same page is that, why are people buying more firearms? Fear? Depression? Uncertainty?
Distress, anxiety and fear are considered normal in times like this.... But with no end in sight, how do we mitigate feelings like this long term. What are the ramifications? Read more: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/coping-with-covid-19-anxiety/covid-19-and-anxiety
So much to be afraid of, depressed about, terrified of.... Isn't this supposed to be a happiness blog?? I would like to provide 5 tips to staying happier during this crisis...
1. Consider journaling. Much of what is happening right now is completely out of your control. This will allow you to take some of that control back. Usually when I recommend journaling I suggest the following format. Each night before you go to bed, write down 3 things that made you smile that day (yes, I understand that some days this is very difficult!). When you wake up in the morning, reread these three things before you start the day, preferably before you even get out of bed before you check social media. This sets the tone for the day as a happy one!
2. Stop with the guilt! It is not your fault you had to cancel your child's birthday party or your husband's graduation party. I am personally struggling with a ton of guilt, even when I go to pick up my mom's medication. Let it go. If you have to be upset, be upset at the virus, not yourself!
3. It's OK to grieve! One of my favorite things is doing speaking engagements. I love being a motivational speaker and teaching others to live life with more positivity. So far every single engagement I have had through JULY has been canceled. Yes. I cried over it. Yes, I mourned the loss of something that brings me tremendous joy. Then I decided to reset my energy and work on a new book-happiness in chaos! Grieve your losses, then redirect your energy. Now is the perfect time to start a new project or learn something new!
4. Clean your house!! This is probably the last thing you want to hear, but research suggests that clutter and messiness leads to anxiety and depression! You finally have time to deep clean and organize! Take advantage of that! Not only will you lessen the likelihood of anxiety and depression, you will also feel accomplished and fulfilled!
5. Watch something funny! I know many of you are binge watching Netflix right now to pass the time. However, you should be careful what you are choosing. While Handmaid's Tale is excellent, and I highly recommend it under normal circumstances, it may hit a little too close to home right now and lead to more anxiety and depression. Rather I am going to encourage you to watch something funny! Research suggests that it is very difficult to stay sad and angry while you are smiling! So make yourself smile!
If it does get to be too much for you, please consider virtual counseling. There are many mental health professionals just waiting to help those that are struggling during this difficult time. If you cannot find a virtual therapist, feel free to contact me directly, I would be more than happy to pair you with the perfect fit for you!
As always, be happy my friends, stay strong and love one another!
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