Pandemic Blues: How to Cope With Mental Health Challenges

Am I depressed, or is it COVID-19 fatigue? | MD Anderson Cancer Center

Depression saps your energy, hope, and motivation, making it difficult to take the necessary actions to feel well. Thinking about what you should do to feel better, such as exercising or spending time with friends, may be tiring or difficult to put into action at times.

It’s a Catch-22 situation for depression recovery; the most difficult things to accomplish are the most beneficial ones. There is, nevertheless, a significant difference between something difficult and something impossible. While recovery from depression is neither fast nor straightforward, you do have more power than you realize—even if your sadness is severe and chronic. The idea is to start small and work your way up. You may not have much energy, but by drawing on all of your reserves, you should be able to go for a stroll around the block or contact a loved one, for example.

Taking the initial step is usually the most difficult. Going on a stroll or getting up and dancing to your favorite music, on the other hand, are things you can do right now. By adopting the following modest but positive actions day by day, you will soon be able to remove the heavy cloud of depression and feel happier, healthier, and more optimistic.

Lean on Your Circle

Obtaining assistance is critical in conquering depression. It may be tough to keep a healthy perspective and the work needed to overcome depression on your own. At the same time, the nature of depression makes it difficult to seek assistance. When you’re sad, you tend to withdraw and isolate, making it difficult to connect with even close family members and friends.

You may be too tired to speak, embarrassed about your position, or guilty for ignoring particular connections. But this is just the melancholy speaking. Keeping in touch with others and participating in social activities may significantly impact your attitude and perspective. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, nor will it imply that you are a burden to others. Your close ones care about you and wish to assist you. And if you don’t have anybody to turn to, it’s never too late to make new friends and expand your support network.

Get Busy

To combat depression, you must engage in activities that both calm and invigorate you. Following a healthy lifestyle, knowing how to handle stress better, establishing boundaries on what you can accomplish, and arranging enjoyable things into your day are all part of this.

While you cannot force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you may force yourself to accomplish things even when you are not in the mood. You may be amazed at how much better you feel once you’re out in public. Even if your melancholy does not disappear immediately, you will gradually feel more cheerful and energetic as you devote more time to enjoy activities.

Pick up an old pastime or a sport you used to like. Make music, painting, or write to express oneself artistically. Spend time with your pals. Visit a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark for the day. When you’re sad, even getting out of bed may be difficult, much alone working out! However, exercise is a potent antidepressant and one of the most important weapons in your recovery arsenal.

Get Professional Help

Get professional assistance if you’ve tried self-help and made good lifestyle changes, but your depression is still getting worse. Needing help does not imply that you are weak. Your negative thinking can make you feel like you’re a lost cause at times, but depression can be treated, and you can feel better. Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial if you are suffering from depression or anxiety. In general, chiropractic treatment is based on a mind-body approach that emphasizes correcting physical symptoms to improve mental ones. A chiropractor is well-equipped to treat your mental health holistically, looking at all potential methods to help you feel better.

Don’t forget about self-help hints. Even if you are getting professional assistance, these suggestions may be included in your treatment plan, hastening your recovery and preventing depression from reappearing. Grief may be a difficult feeling to cope with, not just because of the agony it produces but also because of the circumstances that led to the sadness in the first place. Sadness may be caused by a variety of factors, including loss, helplessness, or disappointment. However, it is essential to remember that melancholy is one of the most frequent and natural human emotions and that it will eventually help us appreciate our joyful moments.