Take Back Some Control While At Home

Exactly two weeks after my blog post saying I would be making the most of spring and summer, my state is under stay-at-home orders to control the spread of the COVID19 virus. Due to my compromised immune system, I was sent home from work even though the acute psychiatric unit is open as an essential service. Now, the weather has turned cooler than average and it is raining for several days in a row. My job still exists, so I am not in the dire straits as are many others.


These conditions - staying home, being more isolated, not productively working, uncertainty about the future – can take a toll on people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Anxiety and depression increase. There are truly significant stressors and we do not want to deny that. However, we can do certain things to help us tolerate the situation and persevere. 


Of course, I always talk about managing one’s thoughts. I am a cognitive-behavioral therapist after all. Try not be judgmental of yourself. I am talking about the thoughts that you are worthless and lazy if you are not working and you are a failure if you can’t support yourself or your family. The appearance of the corona virus was completely out of our control. Government is closing down the places of employment. And I know it is easier said than done, but try not to think too much about the future. At least, don’t let your mind go to the extreme catastrophe. Consciously each day take some time to just be. Accept the current moment and do with it what you can. Take care of your home. Spend some time on the hobby you never have time for. Listen when/if someone wants to talk with you.


Give yourself a semblance of a schedule. At first, lounging on the couch binge watching a favorite series on Netflix and taking naps, seems wonderful. It doesn’t take long, though, until you start feeling sluggish and bored. Decide on one or two things you want to attend to that day. Block out some stretches of time to dedicate to those activities. They could be practical things that you have neglected or more self-fulfilling things. But decide how you will spend your time. You don’t have to schedule every hour, just give yourself a time period such as in the morning and in the afternoon. Identify a start time. And do take a shower somewhere in there. It will help you feel better.


Take care of yourself. You know all of the healthy advice. In particular, do try to go outside to breathe fresh air and hopefully get some sunlight shining on you even if you have to stay on your porch. At least it is spring and better weather is coming. My point is, be aware that certain conditions exist which tend to encourage depression and anxiety in particular. With that awareness, make choices to counter those effects.