Quarantine, isolation, lockdowns, reduced travels, and social distancing? Not the situation, we envisioned! For most of us, COVID-19 has caused a considerable degree of worry, fear, and concern, which has affected our mental health.
The lockdown has not been any better for the elderly and people with disabilities. Being the two vulnerable groups, they are the most affected and have experienced extensive impacts on their mental health. According to research, people with disabilities are more likely to have poorer mental and physical health than people without disabilities.
And with 18% of Australians living with disabilities and another 15% composed of the elderly (65 years and above), something must be done to manage these individuals’ wellbeing.
However, even if you do not have a disability or you’re not among the elderly population, you’re still not full proof of the mental health effects of the lockdown. So here are some ways to manage your mental health during lockdowns.
1. Exercise
Working out can enhance your mental health by reducing depression, negative mood, and anxiety. Exercising has also proved to improve your cognitive functioning and self-esteem.
Whether it’s a walk, cycle, or run around your home area, these simple exercises can help you get some fresh air, which is an excellent way to “forget” whatever is going on around you.
In addition, there are more ways to exercise at home too. You can try yoga, squats, or pushups. You can also do some energetic cleansing – anything to get your heart rate up makes sense here.
Research indicates that people who work out experience 1.5 fewer days of poor mental health per month than people who don’t exercise.
2. Stay connected
Social connections aren’t only crucial for our wellbeing and mental health but also help us cope with stressful situations. Thanks to the hormone oxytocin, staying in touch with family members and friends helps us feel more positive and soothing.
With technology, you don’t have to be in the same room or area with your loved ones to stay connected. Video conferencing apps like Skype, Zoom, and Facetime can help you communicate with people from anywhere.
So, talk to your family members and your friends to reduce anxiety and stress during the lockdowns. Tell your grandchildren about your escapades – they’ll definitely love to hear them! Plus, you’ll be improving their mental health too.
3. Have a healthy routine
Set up a healthy routine for yourself, as it will help bring a sense of normality and purpose to you. Look for several things you can do during the lockdowns to make you feel accomplished. Activities like cooking, gaming, attending an online support group, reading a book, or any other thing you love will suffice!
Create a routine for these activities and make sure to follow it each day. It’ll keep you engaged and free from stress, depression, and anxiety.
4. Stay Informed
Always stay well informed about COVID-19 developments. In addition to keeping you updated about changes regarding the virus, keeping on top gives you hope and reduces your anxiety.
However, be sure only to use trusted sources to gather information. There are few trusted news sources you can use, including:
- World Health Organization website
- Health Direct – Coronavirus
- Australian Government Coronavirus health alert
You can add more trusted sources to this list. The goal is to get up-to-date, reliable and verifiable news.
5. Seek professional support
It’s normal to have episodes of emotional and mental breakdowns from time to time. However, if such episodes persist, you should seek help from a professional.
If you’re not sure where to start, consult your primary care physician, who is likely to know some of the best mental health doctors around you. REMEMBER, seeking early help for a mental health problem can make a huge difference.
Getting Help from OSAN ABILITY
Whether you’re worried about your mental health or that of a loved one, you can always come to OSAN ABILITY for help. We are NDIS registered, and our focus is to improve the lives of the aged or disabled people in Australia.
During the current lockdown in Sydney, we understand that your loved ones could be going through a mental and emotional breakdown, and we’re here to help. At OSAN ABILITY, you can be sure to receive world-class support from our professionals.
Reach us today and receive the help you need from our professional community nurses, caregivers, mental health specialists and other therapies specialists
