Covid Mental Health Check up
I don’t know maybe it’s the 3rd or 4th official lockdown. To be honest, I have lost count. That said I have felt a slow creep of depression. Perhaps it has been not seeing my family in almost 2 years combined with living in a country without too many friends. The past week I have been on the verge of breaking down in tears. So if you have felt this way too, I want to say I am here for you. These are some ways to cope.
Managing emotions
Let your feelings out. I would do it in private, but get a good cry. It’s perfectly natural to feel incredibly upset and pained, so acknowledge it and accept your pain. In a way its like mourning, and releasing this energy can only help.
Don’t take things too personally
Put your problems in perspective. I guarantee you are not only one feeling this disappointment. Ask yourself, Will this matter one year from now? A week? One month? Asking this question will bring you back to reality. Sometimes you think the universe is not on your side, that the world is crashing down. Step back for moment, depression is like a force that can make us irrationally paranoid.
Review expectations
Be grateful. We have a lot to be thankful for health, a place to sleep, family and friends, ability to earn a living, or even a pet. You might be focused on the things you don’t have. Try to remember the things that you do have. Count your blessings by making a list of all of the things you have to be thankful for. That way you cab see the good in your life.
Take Time
Take some time to heal. It’s great to let your feelings out share with friends and acknowledge that you’re feeling sad and disappointed. Take as long as you want to be upset but realize the sooner you start thinking positively. The sooner you’ll be able to make a plan for success. Then you can try again.
back on the saddle
I am not an eternal optimist. However I really do believe we can only attain personal growth by wearing our heart on our sleeve. This is a time that we are all so sensitive. Know that you are definitely not alone. Energy is reciprocal. The more good you put in the world, eventually it will come back.