The novel coronavirus is a new, unknown virus with life-threatening symptoms. With no vaccine or cure, it can trigger mental health issues rooted in the fear of contracting the disease.
It may also inflict stress from job loss, depression from self-isolation, and other mental health issues from the lack of life normalcy.
At New Roads Behavioral Health, we’re here to help you keep your mind and body healthy. Really, it’s our specialty! Here’s us providing some more insight.
COVID Explained
Covid-19, or more well known as coronavirus, is a dangerous disease. First identified in Wuhan, China. Taking lives and creating lifelong side effects on it’s victims. It has since then spread to all parts of the world. With over 7 million cases worldwide, it has wreaked havoc on the planet. Financially, medically, and mentally.
Since the virus is most often spread through the air, take precautions. By sneezing, coughing, or even just touching your face with your hands you can contract the disease.
Maybe you’re asking yourself, how can I prevent myself and loved ones from contracting the virus? Here are some helpful tips:
- Wash your hands and wash them frequently! For at least 20 seconds each time.
- Avoid any close contact with ill, or potentially ill people.
- Never touch your eyes, nose, mouth area without washing your hands.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces you touch throughout the day.
- Avoid going in public. If you do, wear a mask and sanitize your hands.
Knowing the facts and protecting yourself from the virus is essential to keeping a good mental state and stability during this hard time.
Coping With Job Loss
With US unemployment rates at a high of over 14%, the impact of job loss on Americans from COVID-19 has become crippling.
Unemployment rose higher in three months of COVID-19 than it did in two years of the Great Recession (PewResearch).
With all non-essential businesses closing for the safety of the people, some had no choice but to lay off workers. Many small businesses also took an irreparable hit. The negative impact of the virus on the economy will have it recovering for years to come.
The mental impact, however, hit harder than many can fathom.
Losing your job during a worldwide pandemic is something no one was prepared for mentally. The stress of paying bills, buying essentials, and keeping a roof over your head will be weighing on you.
The key is to create healthy coping mechanisms. Avoid abusing substances. Make sure you take care of yourself physically and mentally.
If you’ve recently lost your job, been furloughed or laid off due to COVID, you may be struggling to manage feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty about your future, reach out to experts for help.
This time may be especially hard on those with existing mental health conditions. At New Roads Behavioral Health, we specialize in mental and behavioral issues. Fortunately, during this time, you don’t have to cope with these issues alone.
Contact us to find out more information on our programs.
Self Isolation
The disruption of your normal daily routine is never easy. What makes it even worse during COVID, is the isolation. It has been not only recommended but required at times. To help “flatten the curve” by avoiding contact with any potential carriers of COVID.
That human connection that everyone needs can be taken away. It may impact your mental health more than you’re prepared for.
On top of the uncertainty you’re feeling from COVID and maybe job loss, self-isolation creates loneliness. Which takes a detrimental toll on your mental health.
Self-isolation creates a high number of health risks. Some of which include:
- Poor Sleep
- Poor Cardiovascular Health
- Depressive Symptoms
- Lower Immunity
It’s important to stay connected and stay open with your loved ones during COVID. If you’re struggling to stay healthy mentally and need help, don’t hesitate to reach out. With resources and facilities such as New Roads Behavioral Health, you don’t have to suffer.
COVID and Your Mental Health
There are some suggested measures you should take to protect your mental health during COVID-19.
Maintain a Daily Routine
Although we know it’s hard to get out of bed when you have nowhere to go, it’s crucial. Laying in bed all day has a negative impact on both your mental and physical health. Create a daily routine to help keep yourself accountable and on track.
To keep yourself feeling accomplished and energized, set meal times, shower times, and other healthy activities to do throughout your day at home. Keeping yourself busy will keep you out of a poor mental state and create a purpose to your day.
Exercise
Exercising helps trigger those feel-good endorphins to keep your mind uplifted and your body healthy. With gyms closed, a lot of companies are offering free at-home workouts to join in on. Which also helps fulfill that personal connection. Do a lot, or even just a little bit. Taking this time to move your body is key to a happy and healthy mind.
Limit Substance Consumption
While it may make you feel better at the time, things like drugs and alcohol will negatively impact your mental health. Alcohol is a depressant and the comedown from drugs is very dangerous. Especially for those who may have existing mental health problems.
Depleting your brain’s serotonin levels from substance abuse is the worst way to cope during COVID.
Find a New Hobby
During life before COVID, there was probably a list of things you wanted to try. Things you wanted to learn but never had the time. Now is your chance!
Organize things, practice new recipes, read books you’ve been holding on to. The options are endless. Keeping your mind growing and busy during the pandemic is the best coping mechanism.
How We Help
At New Roads Behavioral Health and Wellness, we help you get on the road of keeping your mental health balanced and healthy. Coping during Covid-19 can be a hard journey. If you have pre-existing mental health conditions, it can be even harder. Don’t let the virus bring you into a relapse, or make you lose hope.
With the negative effects of COVID, resources for mental support are needed more than ever.
Contact us today and schedule a tour of the facilities!
2450 E Fort Union Blvd.
Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
info@newroadstreatment.com