Health professionals have expressed concern about the toll the coronavirus crisis is having on people’s mental health.
Stacy Ashton with Crisis Centre BC says its helpline is being flooded with calls from people trying to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.
“They may have loved ones who are ill, they may have lost a job and they’re not sure what to do, they may have a lot of kids at home and that can be overwhelming,” Ashton said.
Rules around physical distancing are also leaving many people feeling isolated, an issue that is a concern for provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry as much as the province’s caseload.
“I encourage people to talk to your physician if you have one — they can talk to you through virtual care,” Henry said.
Get weekly health news
It’s not just adults who are struggling to cope. Experts say children are also feeling anxiety.
“It will come out in their bodies and it will come out in behaviour, so we’re likely to see disruptions in sleep routines and eating routines for kids that are feeling it and also an escalation in terms of challenging behaviour,” psychologist Dr. Vanessa Lapointe said.
A pandemic that seems to have hit us suddenly is leading some to believe we’re on the way to a serious mental health crisis that may not end when the pandemic does.
Ashton says people may experience nightmares and feelings of panic that could linger after the pandemic is over.
So what can we do about a situation that feels so out of our control?
The message from some mental-health advocates is that it’s OK not to be OK.
Websites like Bounceback BC offer mental-health resources and support.
Following some simple guidelines could also make a difference:
Take a break from the news
Information overload can really start to affect how you feel, so give yourself permission to switch off once in a while.
Take care of your body
Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay healthy.
Make time to unwind
Self-care is critical, so take some time each day to do something you enjoy.
Connect with others
Talk to people you trust about how you’re feeling and reach out to those who may be feeling lonely so you can get through this together.
“Sticking with the basics is the best we can do for ourselves right now and be gentle with ourselves,” Ashton said.
“Nobody has to be a rock star.”
If you or someone you know is struggling you can call the BC Crisis Centre at 1-800-784-2433. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Comments