Expert Insights

Mental health in a pandemic

March 2020 turned our lives upside down. Isolation, fear of illness, lost jobs were just a few factors that had a role in this. While there is a physical pandemic going on, there is no doubt that Covid-19 has created a mental health pandemic as well. I see more individuals in our office on a daily basis who are struggling with depression, anxiety, increase in drug or alcohol use, increase in eating disorder behaviors, and insomnia. Families have experienced loss, whether it be a loss of loved one, financial, or job loss it effects each individual differently.

There are so many people suffering. Healthcare providers, your neighbor, friend, or family member. I believe it is very important to have a primary care healthcare provider you can trust and be able to open up to without judgement. Often time, medications are needed to help balance out chemical imbalances. I believe in a mind, body, soul approach. I believe medications help, but also believe that it is important to have a good support system and even a mental health therapist to help you learn valuable coping skills. 

There is such a stigma around mental health, however, everyone has their day-to-day struggles. It is important to reach out to friends, family members, and professionals to help get you through difficult times. Mental health providers can make such a difference in your life. 

Self-care is also important. Ensuring good nutrition, sleep, and hydration can physically make you feel better. Resting when needed and setting appropriate boundaries is crucial. It is okay to say no. We can't do it all. Most of all, give yourself grace to know that you are worthy and deserving of any help you can get. Throw shame out the window and let the people that love and support you carry you through difficult times. I encourage everyone if they are struggling to take the first step. Reach out to your primary care provider, sit down, have a conversation, and let them direct you. Let's put an end to the stigma around mental health! Life is hard, but we can overcome hard situations with the right help.