Over the past year and a half, the pandemic has shed an immense amount of light on the importance of maintaining, caring for and talking about mental health. Celebrities, political figures and everyday professionals have opened up about challenges and successes surrounding their mental well-being, which was not common in the years leading up to 2020. It’s relieving to see that this openness has reduced much of the stigma attached to mental illness and seeking help from a professional.
As the ways we navigate the world during the pandemic continue to evolve, so do our mental health needs. Below, we break down a few current challenges.
Unhealthy habits
The pandemic puts a strain on our ability to healthily cope, as many coping mechanisms just aren’t available during lockdowns. Without access to gyms, yoga studios, coffee shops, live music and more, many have turned to coping mechanisms such as drinking excessively, eating excessively, scrolling social media excessively, etc. It’s difficult to surrender those unhealthy habits after you’ve grown dependent on or even addicted to them.
Lost time
More than an entire year passed while we were in quarantine, and many are starting to feel the need to potentially go overboard in order to make up for lost time. It’s important to understand that going to the extreme can be damaging for anyone’s mental well-being.
Emotional pressure
As we’re transitioning from being in complete isolation, it’s natural for people to feel as though they should feel happy and satisfied as the world continues to adjust. They may feel judged for not feeling happy enough. Know that your feelings are valid, and you can take as much time as you need to ease back into the world. Whether it’s emotional pressure or social anxiety, nothing is “wrong” with you if you need time to adjust.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time coping, our team of certified staff members and clinicians want to help. Through our mental health counseling services, we can assist those experiencing hardships find positive solutions. For more information, contact us at 508-427-5362 or click here.