How do I help someone that is dealing with a mental illness during COVID-19?

The pandemic has had a significant impact on several individuals. Whether it’s feeling frustrated, fed up, tired, or anxious for the return to normal, we must practice different ways to take care of both our mental and physical health during these times. Some ways to deal with mental illnesses during Covid-19 are the following:

• Exercising: Taking the time to workout is a great way to distract yourself from the emotions and hard times you may be dealing with. In order to have a change of mind, it is important to do different activities such as going on a walk, jogging, or even working out in your home. By doing so, you may end up feeling more productive and relaxed.

• Talk to your loved ones: Despite not being able to see many family members or friends during these times, it is still beneficial to call someone you know and talk to them. Whether it's through FaceTime or messages, it is always good to talk to someone else about your emotions and see how they may be dealing with theirs.

• Meditate: Meditation is known for making an individual feel relaxed and peaceful. Meditation brings several benefits to an individual, such as reducing stress, controlling anxiety, promoting emotional health, and much more. Taking the time to meditate for 10-30 mins a day can be very helpful, as it may boost your mood, energy, and positivity for the rest of the day.

Overall, these are the few out of many ways an individual can deal with their mental illness during the pandemic. You are not alone and we are all going through this together! Take this time at home to work on yourself, your goals, your physical health, and your mental health. By incorporating at least one of these coping mechanisms into your schedule, you will notice several benefits for your mental health in the long run.

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Author: Sahar