IF we are on social media, it would seem like our feed is always showing posts from contacts who are sick or grieving, announcements about deaths, calls for help and prayers. It can get overwhelming, so it’s no wonder some people have chosen to skip the social networks for the time being.
Although it’s there, we don’t need the statistics and research results to tell us what we already know: more people are going through periods of stress, depression and anxiety, and that the mental health of a big part of the world’s population is negatively affected by the global health crisis.
Those with a history of mental health issues and those who have comorbidity conditions are at greater risk, along with people who lost their jobs, lost loved ones, or those burdened by caregiving or financial responsibilities. Some people who are isolating to keep themselves safe are also struggling with their mental health.
The situation requires us to extend more kindness and tolerance towards others. If we are able to offer our friends or family emotional support, uplifting words, and positivity during this time, that would be a noble deed. It would be helpful to extend patience and understanding to those who are falling short of our expectations. A smile, though virtual, also goes a long way.
We are being called to communicate with compassion because, it may sound clichéd, we don’t know what the other person is going through. And it may be hard at times, especially if we are going through a rough patch ourselves, but it’s worth a try to listen to others in a reflective, non-judgmental way.
As far as our own well-being is concerned, psychological experts stress the importance of self-care, which basically means engaging in activities that we enjoy. Let’s make time for them every day, no matter how tight our schedules are. Some examples include journaling, watching a feel-good movie, gentle exercises like walking or yoga, talking to a good friend or relative, or mindful meditation.
Being careful about the media or the news we consume is also a form of self-care. We are reminded to be wary of the negative things we read, watch or hear, and to avoid content that stresses us out. Spending time in silence or contemplation can refresh our minds and take us away from all the chaos. It’s nice to reserve a few minutes each day for silence and mindful breathing.
There are organizations that offer Mindfulness and Meditation courses for companies or organizations. One example is Mindfulness Asia (mindfulnessasia.com), a company that is based in the Philippines. Online sessions for employees can be one of the health benefits that organizations can offer their workers during this challenging time.
Needless to say, those who continue to struggle with their mental health should seek professional intervention like psychological counseling or psychotherapy.