By: Julia Leroux
For the majority of people the year 2020 has been an emotional roller coaster ride with its constant ups and downs and sudden loops that turn our world upside down, eventually making us all sick and wanting to get off the ride. Covid-19 and its effects have caused millions of Americans to suffer economically, emotionally, and mentally throughout these past months. Specifically, citizens’ mental health has taken a toll due to the lack of normalcy in our daily routines and due to lockdowns within society to prevent the spread of the virus. In May 2020, there was an average of 34.5% of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression; and just a few months later in July 2020, 40.1% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. As you can see the numbers are steadily increasing, and people are continuing to suffer from mental health disorders.
With the holiday season around the corner, people’s mental health is continuing to decline; but we cannot afford to see our friends, family members, and even ourselves suffer any longer at the hands of our mental state. Mental Health America has identified ways to cope with our feelings and thoughts as the holidays grow near:
Identify How You’re Feeling
This year has introduced us to new challenges and situations that we did not foresee; and along with these set challenges came anxiety, stress, and depression. There are numerous ways to identify your thoughts and feelings in a healthy manner; for example, communicating with your friends is a great resource in identifying your thoughts and feelings. Because they are experiencing similar situations to you, they are likely feeling the same way you are. Never be afraid to reach out to your friends and family as they can attest to what you may be feeling, and it can encourage insight on how to cope with your mental health. Sharing your feelings aloud can be therapeutic; and if you do not feel comfortable sharing this information with friends or family, seeking professional help is always a great option.
Acknowledge What You’ve Lost
Although the holidays are usually cheerful and exciting times, this year may not seem like that because of the hardships many of us have endured. Many of us have lost loved ones, jobs, experiences, or education due to Covid-19; so it is perfectly normal to grieve during this time and acknowledge the things we have lost. It is also crucial to note that we must also acknowledge what others have lost, as well, in order to empathize with them and understand where they are coming from. No one needs to face these hardships alone, and sticking by one another can benefit everyone’s mental health.
Practice Gratitude
While a lot has occurred in the past couple of months, there are still a numerous amount of things to be grateful for. Making lists of who and what we are thankful for can illustrate how much we did not lose during the course of 2020, and we can deeply appreciate everything and everyone in our lives. It is vital to thank the ones who have guided us through these difficult times such as our family members, friends, classmates, professors, and anyone else who has helped. If you are unable to express your gratitude in person to the ones you love, consider writing a note to demonstrate how thankful you are or make a call to those you will not see during the holidays.
There are several other ways to cope with your mental health during the holidays, but the most important aspect to remember is to always reach out when you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed. Talking it out with family members and friends is always a good idea, and you are never burdening people with your feelings. I hope everyone is staying physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy during these difficult times, and just know it will get better!
Sources:
https://mhanational.org/preparing-holidays-during-covid-19