A GUIDE TO PROTECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
By Sarah Hurley
Confused? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Absentminded? These are a few signs you should start looking out for your mental health.
Mental health can have a serious impact on our lives. It affects the way we think, feel, and act in certain situations. Today, people are very unsure about the future because of the Coronavirus. The virus instills fear and uneasiness, which leads to a deteriorating mental health. With quarantine and concerns about the growing cases, many people feel depressed and anxious during this troubling time.
Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do, at home, to try and improve your mental health. Practicing these tips and trying out some of these activities may help you feel a little better during this confusing time.
Connect With Others
During this time, many tend to feel lonely and isolated. Try to reach out to your loved ones to have online interactions with them. Whether it’s a phone call or Facetime, talking to others can help relieve any feelings of loneliness you may be experiencing. This can help you feel happier and more at ease.
Take Care Of Yourself
While isolating, feelings of anxiousness and unhappiness may force you to forget about taking care of your physical health. Maintaining your physical health is important in improving your mental health. To do this, try to ….
Get a sufficient amount of sleep
Eat healthier meals
Exercise
Meditate
Make Time To Relax
Relaxing can take your mind off what’s happening in the world. Try to watch your favorite movie, listen to music, read a good book, complete an art project, or hang out with your pet, if you have one!
Reach Out
If you feel your mental health is inadequate, take the time to find help from a doctor, counselor, therapist, or even a good friend!
Widener University’s Counseling and Psychological Services
Widener University’s Counseling and Psychological Services is an amazing resource that will support you during your time in college. CAPS’ acknowledges that their “mission is to provide students with access to counseling services that will support your academic and personal success during your time here.”
CAPS provides numerous publications which focus on mental health. A publication titled “Warning Signs of Mental Health Concerns” provides different signs that show either you or someone you know may be coping with stress or depression.
Stress Warning Signs According to CAPS
“Some people ‘shut down’ and stop being as productive as usual”
“Some people ‘overwork’ and increase their productivity, at the risk of their wellbeing”
“Some withdrawal from others”
“Some seek help from others”
Depression Warning Signs According to CAPS
“A person may not be complaining of sadness or a low mood; instead, they may be more concerned with:”
“Physical symptoms (aches and pains, fatigue, stomach aches, etc.)”
“Feeling irritable or having difficulty concentrating”
“You may notice the person:”
“Interacting with others less frequently”
“Eating less often or more often”
“Making negative comments about themselves or their circumstances”
Always be on the lookout for warning signs. They can help motivate you to reach out and talk to someone about the way you are feeling.
Another CAPS publication titled, “Coping with the Unknown,” provides tips to help with mental health. The entry suggests “checking in with yourself throughout the day with curiosity.” It is important to always take note of what you are “thinking, feeling, and sensing.” The CAPS team also encourages individuals to notice when they are starting to feel consumed by negative thoughts “about past events or [are] worried about the future.” When this happens, the team suggests trying to “shift your attention back to the present.” If you ever feel completely overwhelmed or anxious, CAPS encourages you to reach out to make an appointment with one of their staff psychologists. To do this, call 610-499-1261. The Counseling and Psychological Services is open from 9am to 5pm.
Mental health is not something to take lightly, so if you find yourself having any of the symptoms, please take the time to find someone to talk too.