~ A pandemic survival guide of sorts for the anxiously depressed ~
2020 is asking a lot of us. Our usual social and shopping habits have become a sinister game of Covid roulette. We were asked to not visit or hug our loved ones (even those who were dying), relationships with formally-trusted health professionals became the focus of intense public scrutiny and debate, and the unprecedented changes to our economy have left us all feeling a bit unsteady on our feet.
I admit, my ability to weather the changes and uncertainty of this year on top of the mental health issues I already carry around with me everywhere has been less than stellar. At times, it’s been nothing short of humiliating, but I know that I’m not alone and that is why I’m writing this.
I’m not a mental health professional so I’ll leave deciphering the differences between depression and anxiety to the experts, but I do want to acknowledge that they are two different beasts that often go hand in hand.
It’s important that we learn to recognize what “struggling” looks like so we don’t get caught up in the misconception that we are useless or lazy. As someone who has been fighting depression for over twenty years, I can attest that there are days where routine tasks can seem like a mountain of work and right now, due to pandemic-related changes in our society, day-to-day activities are already more complicated. Unfortunately, if we start letting some things slide to help alleviate the pressure on today, tomorrow becomes that much harder
If you are dealing with depression and/or anxiety and feel like the world is slowly swallowing you whole (or wish it would) during this pandemic, the following suggestions may help:
- Keep your prescriptions up-to-date.
- Don’t get caught without medication. Many anti-depressants cannot be stopped cold turkey so don’t put yourself at risk. Keep track of your pills and refill before you run out. This will help you stay ahead of brain fog or intensified depressive symptoms that make even dialing the pharmacy phone number seem like hard work, which is why #2 is so important.
- Be honest with your doctor.
- If you are experiencing any new or exacerbated symptoms, let your physician know so they can address it. Phone appointments have become the norm so write down what you want to discuss beforehand and make sure you bring it up.
- Keep well stocked on grocery essentials.
- Your physical health is important, especially with life-threatening viruses out there, so don’t eat sad, low-nutrient meals. Keep things like butter, olive oil, fresh lemons or limes, sour cream, lots of fresh garlic and a few fresh herbs around whenever you can and pamper yourself with delicious, wholesome food.
- Keep in touch with friends and family.
- Even a short visit or a Facetime session can lift your mood if you are spending it with someone you love and miss. Offer to read a book to your nephew over Skype or attend Zoom church services. Depression and anxiety are both isolating conditions so don’t believe the lies. You are not alone.
- Indulge yourself in experiences that make you feel happy.
- This one is my favorite. It sounds basic, but it takes intention. Wear a pair of socks that feel like a warm hug, have cup after cup of your favorite decaf drink (I’m an apple cinnamon fanatic and my daughter loves decaf Dalgano coffees), buy a bubble bath or shower gel that has an amazing scent, give yourself a pedicure, or stop along the shore and watch the waves. Soak up peace, healing, and tranquility from every possible source.
- Keep it clean.
- Most people enjoy having a clean house but organizing household tasks can seem impossible to people who are depressed and over time it becomes a bit of a landslide. Pick a small task and give yourself a timeline to finish it (I prefer to do things I dislike first). For example, “I will clean the tub before lunch” or “I will put away the towels before bed.” Keeping your environment clean will benefit you in multiple ways, but it’s also a form of self-care.
- Rebuild your circle.
- This one can take time. It’s ok. You are better off with less people around you if the alternative is people who aren’t kind or understanding. Give yourself permission to omit people from your circle who don’t make you feel safe.
Conditions like anxiety and depression can be short-lived if you’re lucky, but for some, these are issues that will not simply disappear when they become overshadowed by a global pandemic. It may be tempting to throw the covers over your head and avoid the scary changes, but listen, you can and you will adapt to this “new normal” and you are not suffering alone.
Care for yourself by choosing positive and helpful behaviours with intention. You got this, baby. Today is a good day to love yourself.
The Gunn Journal 