Dealing with Depression during the Global Pandemic

September 09, 2020

Health

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Understanding Depression 

If anxiety, isolation, the daily onslaught of bad news, and economic uncertainty are taking a heavy toll on your mood, you are not alone. Almost everyone is thinking that this pandemic is harming their mental health. The stress of worry about jobs, social isolation, health, money, and the feeling of loss that many of us are experiencing at the moment can trigger depression. When you are suffering from depression, life seems overwhelmingly hopeless. Being depressed can interfere with your capability to think clearly, it drains your energy, and it’s difficult to get through the day. 

How Global Pandemic Affects Depression?

Even if some places have already reopened, this is still a distressing time. You may be struggling financially or have lost your job, always remember that you are not alone. Living in the age of coronavirus can have a profound effect on your mood. 

• Stress levels are soaring

Having a major change in life can bring overwhelming levels of stress. As a result of this global pandemic, you may have several major stressors at once it could make you more vulnerable to depression. 

• A troubled relationship might be worse than loneliness

While supportive and strong relationships critical for your mental health, being forced to spend months quarantined in an abusive relationship might be even more damaging to your mood than being alone. 

• The anxiety that leads to depression 

All uncertainty and fear that surrounds COVID-19 mean a natural worry. If your worry spiral out of control, it can cause anxiety and panic. Since depression and anxiety are from the same biological vulnerability, it is believed that one can often lead to the other. 

• Loneliness and isolation is fuel to depression 

We, humans, are societal beings. Being cut off from support, close contact, and love from friends and family might trigger depression. It also makes existing symptoms worse. Months of social distancing can leave you feeling lonely and isolated, having to face your struggles by yourself. 

Change Your Focus

There’s no easy way to recover from depression. Finding the motivation and energy to take the first step can be tough. When you’re depressed, everything is filtered through a lens of negativity. You can start to change your focus by taking the first step to feeling more optimistic. Here’s how:

• Find simple sources of joy

While you can’t force yourself to have fun, you can push yourself to do things that will boost your mood. Try to listen to upbeat music or find a reason to laugh by watching some funny videos online.  

• Maintain routine

Sleeping too little or too much, skipping exercise or meals, and neglecting your care only feeds into your depression. Maintaining a daily routine adds structure to your day even if you’re out of work.  

• Distract yourself 

The negative thoughts running over in your head can seem never-ending when you’re depressed. You can break this cycle by focusing on something that adds meaning and purpose to your life. 

• Express gratitude

It can seem that everything in life is hopeless at this time especially if you’re depressed. Yet, it’s still possible to think about the things you can be grateful for. Acknowledging your gratitude provides a respite from negative thinking and boosts your mood.