Lockdown and Depression

The lockdown period due to Covid19 does have a big negative influence on many peoples lives.

06

JUNE, 2020

Selfcare

Depression

#lockdown

You control your day.

In the case of anxiety, not being able to get out and exercise, and a fixation on the negative news will be problem areas

For many it feels as though they are not in control of their own actions and is accompanied by a constant worry over things, like physical distancing or that someone we love will become infected with Covid-19.

Part of people’s frustration is cabin fever as households is trying to deal with the struggles of staying at home. Most people do not have the space at home for everyone staying at home. This leads to lots of frustration, stress, anger, anxiety and make the depression much worse.

How do we deal with it?

Selfcare: It’s easy to slip into the habit of sleeping late, spending all day in your pyjamas and eating junk food, but looking after yourself is essential for your mental health. Even simple tasks such as washing your face can feel difficult sometimes, but they can make a big difference to the way you feel.

Exercise at home: It be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities, including yoga videos or cardio workouts.

Under the new government regulations, you are allowed to leave your house for one form of exercise (such as running, walking or cycling) per day but in addition, you’re still able to use your garden as long as you don’t come within two metres of anyone you don’t live with. The only exception is people who are being shielded because they are at the highest risk of severe complications. They should not leave their houses at all.

 Distract yourself: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help offload any worries and fears you may have. It’s also important to try to keep busy, whether that means going for a daily walk or learning a new skill. There are still plenty of activities you can engage with at home, including crafts, painting, reading, cooking and baking.

Communicate: It is important to talk to people who are close to you. Use this time to understand each other better, trust each other. Share how you feel, express yourself, what you think and what you feel.

Medication: It is important that you take your medication as prescribed if you are on medication. Although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can reduce symptoms. The first antidepressant you try may work fine. But if it doesn’t relieve your symptoms or it causes side effects that bother you, you may need to try another.

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