The past 6 months have brought on so many unforeseen challenges & emotions. Health-care workers have seen more critical patients and loss of life in a short time. There is the fear and anxiety that they could also bring COVID home with them to family members. Many students have missed milestones in life such as graduation, and have had to isolate themselves from friends and adjust to taking online classes. Essential workers had to work even despite a national lockdown. Some people have lost family members, their jobs, businesses and/or their homes. The long term needs for mental health and psychosocial support will likely increase for years to come.
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Many people focus on their physical wellbeing but forget to take care of their emotional and spiritual needs.
The National Alliance on Mental Health continues its year-long campaign, You Are Not Alone. Now more than ever, the mental health community must come together and show that no one is ever really alone. No one should be without the information, support, connection, and help they need. NAMI is featuring videos from real people sharing their lived experiences with some of the symptoms and conditions. Here is one of the videos on anxiety. Consider sharing your story to help others understand that achieving mental health is a daily process.
There are several mindfulness, stress, and anxiety-relieving apps available that you can try including Calm, Headspace, Aura, Smiling Mind (free & family-friendly,) 10% happier, Inscape, Insight Timer (free,) Stop, Think & Breathe, Simple Habit & Sattva (one-time lifetime charge.)
If you or someone you know needs to seek assistance check out one of these resources:
Mental Health America
nami.org
mentalhealth.org
National Institutes of Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration
American Psychiatric Association
Other blogs posts that may interest you:
Simple Ways to Destress While Traveling
Travel Anxiety During COVID-19
Apps to Relieve Stress
