We’re living in extremely trying times. In addition to the everyday stresses of our busy lives, we now have the burden of living through the COVID 19 Pandemic. This illness is something we’ve never seen the likes of during most of our lifetimes. Just think of the many levels on which it’s affecting us; sickness, death, financial devastation, seclusion from friends and loved ones, loss of public schooling, unemployment, etc. We have to be afraid to be greet someone, be near someone, touch things and live a normal carefree life.
Because of the highly contagious character of this illness, seclusion from others is necessary. Simply being near another person can cause illness, great suffering and even death. We’re all affected by this disease in one form or another. Some of us are frustrated, some annoyed, some a little sad and some of us are depressed.
There are two main points to focus on while surviving this crisis. One, we need to do as much as we can to combat the stress of living in a COVID 19 world. Socially distance, wear a mask, wash / sanitize your hands frequently and take good care of yourself.
Some of us take immune boosting nutrients / vitamins (check with your doctor first), exercise and utilize stress reduction methods and stay connected with friends and loved ones, even if it’s on the phone, a video app or video conferencing. We really need to try our best to cope!
Secondly, but just as importantly, we need to know when to get help with our sadness. When you’re mildly sad or somewhat depressed feelings get extreme, when you’re not functioning normally or having feelings of hopelessness, it’s time to get professional help!
Some of the signs that you need professional help are:
- Inability to concentrate
- Apathy concerning things you liked to do
- Appetite changes
- Changes in sleep habits
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
- Irritability / agitation
- Moodiness
- Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm
If your depression is overwhelming you, you must get help! Some of us may feel embarrassed to disclose these thoughts to others, but keeping them a secret can risk devastating results. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’re all going through this together.
If you’re fortunate to have a support system in friends or loved ones that you can talk to and you can prevent your depression from getting serious that’s wonderful! But when your depression gets serious, PLEASE KNOW that it’s time to go for help!
We’re in this together and we can make it through! We must keep the faith!
INSPIRE ME!
When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go. Carol Burnett
A LITTLE LAUGHTER!
I threw a boomerang a few years ago. Now I live in constant fear. Author Unknown