Mental Health Check-In

April 23rd, 2020

Mental Health Check-In

COVID-19 and Mental Health Problems

Everyone is talking about the Coronavirus, better known as COVID-19. We are definitely living in unprecedented times that have drastically altered our daily routines, isolated us from friends and family and significantly affected some of our personal finances. While it is imperative that we take steps to stay physically healthy by practicing social distancing, we need to be cognizant of how the COVID-19 virus can exacerbate mental health problems.

In this COVID-19 era, we may worry about getting sick, start wondering about job security, wonder how long the pandemic will last and what the future will bring. Information overload from the 24-hour cable news cycles, rumors, and misinformation can make our lives feel out of control. If you or family members are experiencing persistent sadness, feelings of loneliness, sleeping problems, eating problems, somatization, which complaining about physical discomforts when there are no medical problems, and or irritability, you may be experiencing mental health problems.

Adult African Americans report experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness at a similar rate or in some instances at a higher rate than adult whites do. Still, in 2018, 18.6 percent of white Americans received mental health services, compared to less than 9 percent of African Americans. It is time for African Americans, including our Christian brothers and sisters, to realize that mental health problems are real and require treatments.

Learning about strategies that can help reduce mental health symptoms is essential. Here are a few strategies that could help an individual get on the right pathway to better mental health:

1. Seek peace in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ daily: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus- (Phil. 4:7). Remember, you are not alone. God is with you. Keep your mind on God and not your circumstances.

2. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Turn off electronic devices, tablets, cell phones, etc. and social media during the one-hour period before your bedtime. Limited sleep can make us irritable.

3. Participate in regular physical activity. The 24-hour news cycle can overwhelm our thoughts. Regular physical activity and exercise, can help reduce anxiety and improve a mood. Get outside at least four to five days per week to take advantage of the sun, as well as the many sidewalks and greenways around our beautiful city.

4. Eat healthy. Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress and anxiety.

5. Avoid excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption. A person cannot drink their problems away. Using alcohol to try to cope can make matters worse and reduce your coping skills.

6. Relax, rest, and recharge. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest Matt 11:28. Set aside time daily for yourself and ignore the worries that suck away my energy. Believe that God loves me, even with my faults and weaknesses. A few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help reduce anxiety.

Deacon Ed McKinney