By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There is no argument, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how people live their everyday lives.

Limited contact with family and loved ones, working from home, and limited travel have all added to the stress levels people are experiencing during this time period, according to Dr. Afriyie Randle in the latest Medical Moment.

During these times, people have experienced angst, anxiety, depression, and overall mental stress, Randle said. According to the Centers for Disease Control, by late June 2002, 40 percent of adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use. About 11 percent reported they had seriously considered suicide. 

“The first thing you should know is that it is OK to not be OK,” Randle said, adding that people should be gentle with themselves during this time.

 

Other tips are:

Do what you can when you can and be fine with it

Learn your triggers and what sets you off and reduce your exposure to it

Stop the negative feedback loops with positive re-enforcement

Just breathe and take a break

Seek out positivity and uplifting people

Mediate on your own

Seek professional help through organizations like Network 180.

“Step away and do something that is entertaining and fun whether that is spending time with family, watching a movie or reading a book,” Randle said. “Accept that it takes time to change and don’t beat yourself up for the way you feel.”