I feel like I can't escape the news or information about what is happening outside of my control. I'm trying to avoid getting depressed again but it's very hard. I'm using all of my MCBT techniques and it helps until I get the next news alert from a friend, family member, or google. How much information is healthy at this point? I'm just really overwhelmed. I feel myself ruminating and I am not sure how to stay mentally healthy during this time. Am I not doing enough because I'm not baking, exercising, cooking, working, learning a language, painting, and learning an instrument? I just want to maintain the progress I've made.
In reply to Elephants Rock
Re: Maintaining Progress while feeling Overwhelmed
by COVID19 Moderator -
Hello Elephants Rock,
Thank you sharing with us what you are going through. I recognize that is not always easy.
If you’re noticing that your mental health is significantly exacerbated due the current circumstance, which is perfectly understandable, it’s always good to check in with your doctor or therapist to make sure that you are getting the support that you need and deserve.
With that being said, I see that you are proactively taking the initiative to manage how you are feeling by implementing specific learned techniques and strategies. So, kudos to you for finding the motivation for that!
If you notice old patterns of feelings revealing themselves, please remember that that is perfectly normal with all the changes that are taking place. Progress is not linear and that is okay.
You already recognize what is leading you to feel overwhelmed, and that is excellent! So perhaps you can explore strategies to manage those triggers. For example, limiting the time you check the news, turning off the news notifications for periods of time, engaging in other activities to take your attention off of the current mood like for example finding a relaxing 5-minute video on YouTube, watching an interesting documentary, or just going for a walk!
You are certainly doing your best. I recognize there might be an added unnecessary pressure of engaging in “productive” activities. However, remember to engage in what feels aligned with you and what you have the headspace for, without putting extra pressure on yourself.
Keep doing what you are doing! And, if needed, you can find here some extra tips, tools, and information on how manage your overall mental wellbeing
Thank you sharing with us what you are going through. I recognize that is not always easy.
If you’re noticing that your mental health is significantly exacerbated due the current circumstance, which is perfectly understandable, it’s always good to check in with your doctor or therapist to make sure that you are getting the support that you need and deserve.
With that being said, I see that you are proactively taking the initiative to manage how you are feeling by implementing specific learned techniques and strategies. So, kudos to you for finding the motivation for that!
If you notice old patterns of feelings revealing themselves, please remember that that is perfectly normal with all the changes that are taking place. Progress is not linear and that is okay.
You already recognize what is leading you to feel overwhelmed, and that is excellent! So perhaps you can explore strategies to manage those triggers. For example, limiting the time you check the news, turning off the news notifications for periods of time, engaging in other activities to take your attention off of the current mood like for example finding a relaxing 5-minute video on YouTube, watching an interesting documentary, or just going for a walk!
You are certainly doing your best. I recognize there might be an added unnecessary pressure of engaging in “productive” activities. However, remember to engage in what feels aligned with you and what you have the headspace for, without putting extra pressure on yourself.
Keep doing what you are doing! And, if needed, you can find here some extra tips, tools, and information on how manage your overall mental wellbeing
At this point, little information is helpful in my opinion...get the main bits and pieces from your family/friends that you need to know, and that will prevent you from getting overwhelmed. At this point, we're all lost, and trying to figure this out together. As long as you're trying to keep your mental health ok, you're doing more than enough for yourself!
Thanks for your post. You're right, while staying informed is helpful, too much information may not provide extra benefit. Limit checking sources to once per day or less if you can. This includes reading or listening to news stories about COVID-19. Even though things are shifting rapidly, daily changes are not likely to affect how you should manage your risk. Feel free to check out this resource for more information: http://www.camh.ca/covid19