When the pandemic began, COVID-19 “victims” we’d hear about were the friends of a friend of a friend. Months into it, the victims became “patients” and officemates of someone you knew. This time around, COVID-19 has hit closer to home. It was now your next-door neighbor, an office colleague, a friend in your inner circle, you, or a loved one.
Recovery wasn’t as easy as we thought. In the aftermath, we’ve had to face isolation, bereavement, loss of income, and fear. Across the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported numbers of increased levels of alcohol and drug abuse, anxiety, and insomnia. COVID-19 itself leads to neurological disorders. Those who have recovered report brain fog and extreme fatigue months after recovery.
Picking up the pieces
The mental health “aftershock” is different for everyone. Whether you are a frontline, lost a loved one, or have been isolated for over a year, the psychological impact is real. The issues dealt with around the world include financial insecurity, health- and career-related fears, child care issues, and the daily anxieties of uncertainty. The stress has resulted in exhaustion, depression, anxiety, fogginess, and feeling unmotivated.
While returning to life as you knew it may take some time, having the proper coping skills can be effective at addressing depression and anxiety.
- DAILY SELF CARE – Wellness activities flourished during lockdown simply because they improved mental health in an instant. Carve out time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, gardening, cooking, baking, or reading. Get enough sleep. Moderate exercise combined with a healthy diet alone significantly impacts mental health.
- BE INTENTIONAL – Think of what has worked for you in the past in times of stress. Was it getting enough rest? Heading outdoors for greenery? Staying in contact with family and friends? Make it work with safety protocols in mind. Schedule video huddles or engage a buddy for regular check-ins.
- TAKE BREAKS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA – Step away from your smartphone and social media for a few hours each day. When online, focus on news from reputable sources. Filter your social media feed to exclude those that trigger your anxieties. Remember that you don’t need to know everything!
- REMIND YOURSELF THAT BEING HERE IS A BLESSING – Despite the current challenges and frustrations, being alive is a huge win in life. Surviving a year in isolation, pummeling through uncertainty, and dealing with your daily challenges are sacrifices worth recognizing.
- SEEK HELP – The rule(s) of thumb: if your depression, feelings of anxiety last for more than two weeks, if what you are feeling seriously interferes with your ability to function at home or work, or if you are contemplating suicide, consult with a mental health practitioner immediately. These include psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, licensed mental health counselors, a family doctor, your parish, or your local community’s health care worker. Work with someone you trust, and take the time to ask around for someone recommended by your doctor, family, and friends.
A friendly reminder from NEARSOL
NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning numerous awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.
The Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition is a global accreditation that tells stakeholders what employees think of the company culture. In brief, it says a lot about the happiness and productivity index in NEARSOL. Certification means people are happy working here and that leadership trust is palpable and real.
Come and discover why our employees and clients think we’re a great place to work!
Visit Nearsol.ph and fill out your details through NIA, (Nearsol Intelligence Automation), our personalized platform for the application process.
