Crisis and Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is especially essential to be aware of its importance during the unprecedented crisis we are currently living. It not difficult to believe that everyone’s mental health is affected one way or another at this point in time. Especially older members of society who live alone.

            Most of us are in lockdown or in quarantine with little real social interaction outside the home. Those who live alone can talk to their children and grandchildren on the phone or visit with them via video calls. It’s enjoyable, but it does not truly replace visiting with them in their home and embracing them. A virtual embrace lacks a certain warmth, don’t you think?

            The result is that it’s easy for people to feel sorry for themselves and sink into depressing thoughts. That’s why taking steps so that our mental health remains robust is important, experts say. There are many ways of accomplishing this, of course.

            Despite health issues, a friend of mine who lives alone never misses to walk the length of her long condo balcony for fifteen minutes every morning. She exercises and takes deep breaths in the fresh air to help her make the most of the rest of the day. She is following a simple pattern that has positive results. We all know that physical exercise is an essential element in good mental health. So even if we are in isolation, it does not mean that we cannot go for a walk every day if we minimize the risk of interacting with people who might have the virus by keeping six feet away from anyone we encounter.

            It has been suggested that we should not compare ourselves to others however I believe that in this time of crisis we should make an effort to be grateful for our own situation because many people are suffering so much more than we are. It should make us see the positivity in our own isolation state which is, after all, only temporary. We should not forget to remind ourselves that the world will again soon be back on track.

            Another way towards mental health is meditation. Even if we do it only a few minutes at a time, the benefits accumulate for the mind as well as for the body. It renews us and helps us avoid anxious thoughts that should have no place in our lives.

            Avoiding loneliness and the fear it can engender can certainly be achieved by keeping busy with a hobby or another outlet. Something as simple as trying new recipes or putting some order in long-neglected closets and drawers can bring a welcome sense of accomplishment. The idea is to keep busy. 

            Keep well and smile.