As an individual living with depression, I am quite worried about how my mood will be affected during this time when I am distanced from my friends and family.
What can I do to be proactive about this?
We thank you for your post. Being isolated can be very lonely and can have a big effect on your mood. One thing to remember is to recall what has previously worked for you in the past that helped manage some of your depressive symptoms. Many of those strategies you can still rely on! Although they might need to be tweaked.
A common challenge is that times like these can disrupt routines; people may stop the activities they use to keep well (e.g., exercise, hanging out with friends) and engage in activities that can make things worse (e.g., stop talking to friends and family altogether). It is helpful to be aware if you are engaging in activities that are making your mood worse. It might be helpful to remind yourself that you can handle what you might be going through, and that if you feel you need support, you can reach out to family, friends, colleagues or professionals. Try to designate a few people you would reach out to if you feeling very lonely one day. This might increase likelihood that you reach out.
Also, creating a schedule with your friends and family on regular phone check-ins and video chats might be helpful. This can help you feel like you are still among your close friends, even if from a distance. Remember, social distancing does not mean you should break off all contact from loved ones. Being alone can lead to spending too much time thinking about the current situation, resulting in increased stress and anxiety. It can be helpful to connect with people who are a positive influence when you are feeling stressed.
For extra information, please visit our website: https://www.camh.ca/covid19
A common challenge is that times like these can disrupt routines; people may stop the activities they use to keep well (e.g., exercise, hanging out with friends) and engage in activities that can make things worse (e.g., stop talking to friends and family altogether). It is helpful to be aware if you are engaging in activities that are making your mood worse. It might be helpful to remind yourself that you can handle what you might be going through, and that if you feel you need support, you can reach out to family, friends, colleagues or professionals. Try to designate a few people you would reach out to if you feeling very lonely one day. This might increase likelihood that you reach out.
Also, creating a schedule with your friends and family on regular phone check-ins and video chats might be helpful. This can help you feel like you are still among your close friends, even if from a distance. Remember, social distancing does not mean you should break off all contact from loved ones. Being alone can lead to spending too much time thinking about the current situation, resulting in increased stress and anxiety. It can be helpful to connect with people who are a positive influence when you are feeling stressed.
For extra information, please visit our website: https://www.camh.ca/covid19
In reply to COVID19 Moderator
Re: Effects of Social/Physical-Distancing on Mood
by Patricia Hayman -
I have begun to take 15 mins of my day to meditate to deal with the added stress of this current situation. This maybe helpful to others as well. Thank you
I am not sure if I have depression too. I have been feeling really low and sad these days and it's hard to get up in the mornings with everything going on. Does that mean I could possibly have depression?
In reply to ihave aquestion
Re: Effects of Social/Physical-Distancing on Mood
by COVID19 Moderator -
Hi ihave aquestion, thank you for sharing your valid concern with us here.
Please note that we are unable to provide any clinical diagnosis.
If you are worried about your mental health or have specific questions, consider reaching out to your family physician for advice on what you might be feelings and how long it has been going on.
I hear you. All the recent changes and the uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety because of its disruption to normal life as well the sudden overflow of information and attention on the topic.
I recognize it is not always easy to share this, and you show a lot of strength by telling us your concerns.
If you feel like it, you can check out this website for evidence-based tips, tools & information to help you manage these feelings and your overall mental wellbeing
Please note that we are unable to provide any clinical diagnosis.
If you are worried about your mental health or have specific questions, consider reaching out to your family physician for advice on what you might be feelings and how long it has been going on.
I hear you. All the recent changes and the uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety because of its disruption to normal life as well the sudden overflow of information and attention on the topic.
I recognize it is not always easy to share this, and you show a lot of strength by telling us your concerns.
If you feel like it, you can check out this website for evidence-based tips, tools & information to help you manage these feelings and your overall mental wellbeing