With the coronavirus outbreak, many people have fallen into what experts call a coronavirus depression. This problem affects millions of people, but it’s especially present in people already living with clinical depression. Even if you’ve never received a mental health diagnosis, you could still be at-risk for depression due to COVID-19. Groups that may face increased risk for coronavirus depression include:
- People over the age of 55
- People suffering from chronic illness
- Health care providers
- People with mental health issues and/or substance use disorders
If you’re in any of these groups, you should consider how to avoid falling into the pitfalls of coronavirus depression.
1. Don’t Let Coronavirus Keep You Bored
If your depression is related to feelings of isolation during the coronavirus crisis, then keeping yourself occupied could be a great way to focus on something else. If you have any hobbies like painting or writing, social distancing can give you plenty of time to work on them. And keeping your mind active can lessen your depression while making the time pass more quickly. So why not break out your old hobbies and give yourself something to do?
If you typically struggle with issues like seasonal affective disorder, then being cooped up inside could worsen your coronavirus depression symptoms. And while you should follow any local social distancing laws, there are still ways to get out of the house. For example, you could take a walk around your neighborhood and get some fresh air. Just make sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others and to avoid walking with anyone you don’t already live with. Or you could even go for a drive—provided you stay in the car the entire time. Going outside could great reduce your feelings of coronavirus depression, so look for ways to get some fresh air while staying safe.
2. Use Exercise to Beat Coronavirus Depression
In response to the public health crisis, most gyms have been forced to close. And that’s a problem, because exercise can help reduce depression symptoms. And without this coping mechanism, many people living with depression could face a resurgence of their symptoms due to COVID-19. But thankfully, you can still get a workout right at home.
Check out these at-home exercises that can help you get through your coronavirus depression. As you work out, your brain will naturally release “feel good” chemicals like dopamine, which can lessen your depression symptoms. Additionally, you’ll feel better about yourself and your situation after getting in some physical exercise.
When you’re dealing with coronavirus depression, it can feel impossible to muster the will to do anything. But as much as you can, you should fight that feeling. The more you can make yourself do, the better you’ll feel and the less severe your coronavirus depression will be.
3. Look Into Inpatient Depression Treatment
Sometimes, coronavirus depression is just too much to manage alone. If that sounds familiar, then it’s time to look into depression treatment options in your area. At The Blackberry Center, on top of our mental health treatment options, we are taking COVID-19 precautions to protect the well-being of both our patients and our staff. So if you’re looking for a mental health rehab in the Orlando, FL area to find relief for coronavirus depression, then you’ve found it.
Do you have questions about how we help people with coronavirus depression? Call our admissions specialists at (813) 908-4199 or fill out a digital contact form and ask your questions there. Remember, you don’t have to face coronavirus depression alone; we’re here to help.