Health Matters: Mental health wellness tips during quarantine
There’s no doubt that living through a pandemic is stressful. Fear and anxiety about the unknown can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. (WSYX/WTTE)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — There’s no doubt that living through a pandemic is stressful. Fear and anxiety about the unknown can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.
But coping with stress in healthy ways will make you, the people you care about, and the community stronger. The Prevention Action Alliance is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on substance misuse and mental health wellness across Ohio.
To maintain mental wellness, they say the first thing that people need to be aware of is really of themselves.
Consider these factors as part of a "mental health check":
- What are you feeling and what's changing in your life?
- Are you feeling irritable?
- Are your eating habits changing? Sleep habits?
After a self-assessment, determine what healthy coping mechanisms can be utilized to improve your well-being.
Marci Seidel, the Executive Director of the Prevention Action Alliance recommends exercise, art, scheduled video calls, and other activities that encourage joy.
Putting structure into life and having some sense of control can provide peace of mind, but be cautious of starting too much too soon.
"During any time of stress, stick with what you know," says Fran Gerbig, Assistant Executive Director.
"Don’t start something that’s going to add to anxiety or add to the to-do list when we have so little control with what’s going on around us.”
People are also warned to avoid over-consumption of alcohol and self-medicating with drugs.
Across the country, alcohol sales have skyrocketed.
“It’s a ramping up at this point," says Seidel.
Everyone has a role in prevention to stop the spread and to care of themselves while staying inside.
If you or anyone you know needs additional emotional support, behavior health services are still open and available.
You can also call the "COVID Care Line" from 8 am-8 pm, 7 days a week at 1-800-720-9616.
