Fear, Isolation, Poverty and Bereavement. These are just 4 of the reasons why mental health conditions and anxiety have skyrocketed during the age of covid 19.
According to a new study by the World Health Organisation, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, whilst the demand for mental health services has increased dramatically.
Many people are facing increased levels of drug use, alcohol consumption, insomnia, and anxiety.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 virus can also lead to neurological and mental complications, such as stroke, delirium and agitation. It has been found that people with pre-existing neurological and mental conditions and those with substance abuse disorders are also more vulnerable to infection by the Covid-19 virus, and may even have a higher risk of severe outcomes and death.
“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being”, “COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world, just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes ̶ during the pandemic and beyond”.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation.
Those who have experienced past mental health issues should try to acknowledge their feelings of distress, reach out to their local support networks and seek professional support early.
Those already managing a mental health issue, are urged to continue with any treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms.
While it is understandable for people to be concerned about the Covid-19 outbreak, try to remember that public health experts and the scientific community worldwide are following strict protocols, and working hard to contain the virus and vaccinate as many people as possible against it. Panicking is not a helpful way to react.
Always try to acknowledge feelings of distress and seek further professional support if required.
If you're constantly glued to covid-19 news in fear of contracting it or are watching covid-19 related movies on Netflix for hours at a time, your mental health will deteriorate because you are not giving yourself breaks from all the negative information surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. You may also experience anxiety when going outside due to the risk of infection outside and this makes anxiety and depression worse.
Luckily, mental health services are available in many communities. These mental health providers provide support for people with mental illness and emotional problems. You can talk to a professional who will help you manage your mental well-being by providing counselling, therapy or other mental health treatments.
They offer advice on how to cope with difficult situations that might make you feel down or anxious ̶ such as COVID-19 virus-related anxiety ̶ and they also teach skills like relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress levels and improve mental well being over time. And if the situation is more severe, they may be able to refer you to appropriate specialists and centres like Noosa Confidential who offer a range of residential mental health rehabilitation programs to help deal with your mental health challenges.
Positive self-talk can help improve mental wellbeing because it helps you shut out negative thoughts and boosts your mental state. This is especially true for anxiety because when we have mental health conditions, we are more likely to think about the mental health condition instead of anything else. So a way to combat this is by telling yourself positive things, which will stop you from thinking negatively about mental health or COVID-19.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, most governments provided for some daily form of external exercise subject to conditions. Take advantage of any allowable opportunities to get outside and get some fresh air which will help you feel better.
Social contact and maintaining routines can be crucial for our mental health stability and wellbeing. During lockdowns or in other circumstances where this is not possible, try to stay connected with friends and family online or by phone.
Staying in contact with others, even over the phone can help you realise that you are not alone.
Noosa Confidential delivers a safe and effective, solution-focused program designed to alleviate or eliminate unwanted intrusive thoughts that contribute to conditions like anxiety or depression.
Our Mental Health Treatment Programs are highly personalised, have a proven approach to identify and address the underlying drivers and triggers that are causing your mental health conditions.
Working with no more than 5 guests at a time ensures the highest level of individualised care available in Australia.
Whether you are reaching out on your own behalf or that of a loved one, we can help.
