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Last Updated on December 7, 2020
Quarantine sounds like a word that you’d only hear in a Hollywood movie, but for the past couple of months, it’s been a reality. Here are 6 simple tips for Self care during quarantine.
Thousands of people have moved into quarantine worldwide due to the potentially disastrous effects of COVID-19. Lockdowns have been imposed to stop the possible spread of Coronavirus – and to halt the possibility of more deaths occurring.
Quarantine hasn’t been easy.
It can make the symptoms of depression or anxiety hit harder. During quarantine, many people haven’t had access to coping mechanisms, support systems or their regular medication to manage their condition.
I’ve heard from many people who have been overwhelmed. I can say that I’ve felt the same.
I’ve found that an emphasis on self-care has made the quarantine period easier to deal with.
Are you having trouble keeping things together during this time?
Here’s a look at mental health during quarantine, and some essential steps I’ve learned to apply during lockdown.
Mental Health During Quarantine
People say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
I say that people should put their apples down and see their doctors.
Why?
Depression and potential suicide rates have skyrocket during quarantine. That’s not okay, and that can be prevented when people get the correct help. Physical health is a pretty important thing, but it can’t be a complete picture without mental health being taken care of.
Here’s what I’ve found to be true about mental health during quarantine.
Outlining Mental Health Importance
Mental health is always an important thing to focus on.
The above statement has become more true during quarantine. With more stress added to our daily lives, it’s just as important to cope – and yet mental health has taken a backseat for many thanks to the stress.
Why Quarantine Has Been Hard
I’ve received many messages from blog readers during quarantine.
Depression and anxiety have flourished in this time. With people losing access to their regular support networks or medical care and medication, quarantine has made life harder on many people out there.
Are you one of them? Does this describe someone you know and love?
Self-care and seeking professional help are important, especially now.
Why A Psychiatrist Can Help
While a support network is useful and essential, many health issues and difficult times (like quarantine) require more help to get through safely.
Friends can talk us through these times, but they cannot treat and diagnose issues like depression.
For diagnosing and treating mental conditions, professional, qualified help is necessary.
Not coping during quarantine? Try some tips for self care during quarantine, set up your own self-care checklist and see a professional psychiatrist. I guarantee that it can ease the burdens you’re dealing with right now.
Are You Seeing The Right Psychiatrist?
Psychiatric assistance can change lives, especially when dealing with conditions like anxiety and depression during these times. It’s okay to admit when you need a little help, and a consultation can tell you what to do next for better mental health.
Once you’ve decided to seek out a local psychiatrist, it’s important to make sure you’re seeing the right one.
I’ve received many messages from readers asking about different types of psychiatrist.
Some psychiatrists specialize in childhood psychiatry and dealing with childhood problems. Other psychiatrists specialize in general psychiatry and what to do. Forensic and geriatric psychiatry are two other branches of the same science.
Seeing the right type of psychiatrist guarantees that you’re getting the right help for you.
Click here to read more information about the right type of psychiatrist for your individual needs.
6 Steps To Self Care During Quarantine
Self-care means taking care of your own mental and physical health. It is one of the most active ways to practice self-love.
It doesn’t mean putting yourself instead of other people, but realizing that you are just as important. When you’re healthy, you’re able to take care of others – and when you’re not, are you really operating at full capacity?
Surgeons, doctors, nurses and other professionals are counted on and trusted. Would you trust them as much if they ranked their own self-care lower than their patients and didn’t bathe for a straight two weeks? No, you wouldn’t.
Self-care isn’t selfish. Self-care is what we all need to be functional and healthy people.
I need help sometimes. So do you, and so does everyone else.
Here are some steps I’ve put together to make self-care easier to manage.
1. Realizing The Importance
It’s important to realize that self-care is just as important as taking care of anyone else. No matter how stressful life gets or what situation is being thrown at you, self-care matters (and should be a priority for your own health).
2. Create A Self-Care Checklist
I’ve found a self-care checklist to be useful during lockdown – and in general. It helps me to stay healthy, and it guarantees that I get through the day by taking care of myself. I recommend it for anyone who finds getting through the day, week or month difficult. If you feel like you’re losing focus, this can help you to get it back.
3. Have A Co-Operative System
Do you have friends or family you can call when you’re having a bad day or mental health emergency? If not, set up a support network of reliable people. It makes tough times easier to make it through – and ensures that you always have someone you can count on.
4. Online Consultations (Or A Psychiatrist Near You)
If you haven’t had access to psychiatric help during lockdown, check for online consultations with a psychiatrist (or look for a local psychiatrist near you). It’s never too late to get the right help.
5. What Helps You Unwind?
Quarantine has created a great deal of stress. I’ve been more stressed than usual, but I’ve also taught myself different coping mechanisms during this time. What helps you unwind? I like listening to music every day. Find what helps you, and include it in your self-care checklist.
6. Spotting Your Own Signs & Symptoms
Could you or someone you know be depressed – or struggle with a condition that causes it? Recognize the signs and you might be able to find someone the help they need. When someone is different, withdrawn or trying to mask their feelings, it could be due to underlying depression. I urge you to seek help! It’s never too late to care.
