Check Yourself: Mental Health During Covid19

Summary

The article discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, during the Covid19 pandemic, through self-awareness, medical consultation, and therapy.

Abstract

The author of the article shares personal experiences with mental health challenges during the Covid19 pandemic, emphasizing the significance of vigilance and proactive management of symptoms. Despite not facing extreme issues, the author, with a history of anxiety and depression, noticed subtle behavioral changes, such as compulsive running and nightly checks on loved ones. Recognizing these as warning signs, the author sought advice from a primary care physician (PCP), opting for a combination of online therapy and medication to prevent the escalation of anxiety. The article highlights the potential physical and mental health risks associated with depression and anxiety, including changes in appetite, risky behaviors, and sleep disturbances. It encourages readers to be aware of these signs and to seek help without shame, as the pandemic can adversely affect mental well-being.

Opinions

The author believes in the importance of monitoring one's mental health, especially with a pre-existing condition, and not ignoring warning signs.
There is a preference for minimal medication intervention, with the author choosing the lowest dose possible of previously well-tolerated medication.
The author values the role of therapy, particularly online therapy, as a tool for managing mental health during the pandemic.
The author acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, recognizing that unchecked anxiety can lead to physical harm, such as a racing heart or stress-induced physical ailments.
There is an emphasis on the need to address mental health issues openly and without stigma, advocating for individuals to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life.
The author suggests that the pandemic can exacerbate mental health struggles, making it crucial to prioritize mental well-being alongside physical health.

Check Yourself: Mental Health During Covid19

As shelter in place, dragged on longer than we hoped, I began to notice some changes in my behavior. It wasn’t sudden or extreme. Just little things I started doing while sheltering in place. I made an online appointment with my PCP and discussed what was happening.

What was I doing? Nothing too, too serious. But given my history with anxiety and depression, they appeared as warning signs to me. I’m currently training, not for a race or a particular distance, but doing run training. I noticed that my mind would not allow me to stop at an uneven distance. For example, I had a half hour easy run on the treadmill yesterday. I’d done some walking prior to the run. AS it came close to hitting the half hour point, I was close to four miles. So rather than go easy, I upped the speed and sprinted for the last few minutes so I could hit four miles before I was done. The other behavior, slightly more problematic, is waking up in the middle of the night feeling compelled to check things and make sure everyone is okay and safe. The start of quarantine, I was dealing with emotional grief over the loss of my brother. I started utilizing running to lift my spirits. I knew I was not in danger. I was eating, getting out of bed and finding joy in each day. But I know from my personal history that my depression and anxiety go hand in hand. When my weird little anxious tics started to appear, I knew it was time to address the problem. My stroke followed the death of my brother and came two days after a massive anxiety attack complete with a racing heart. Suffering in silence and allowing things to progress is a hazard to my health. So I made the appointment and was completely honest about my mental health. I’ve had a reaction to anxiety meds in the past, plus with my current health history, I don’t like adding more to my regimine. I do have an option for online therapy which I’m going to use as well. But, for my physical safety, I allowed her to prescribe the lowest dose possible of an anxiety medication that I took previously without any issue. If it prevents my heart from racing for no reason, and prevents me from getting up in the middle of night feeling compelled to check the pulses of my loved ones, It’s something I will do. I’d rather take it than allow my anxiety to get out of hand and cause physical harm to my body.

If, during this Pandemic you are feeling off too, that’s not unusual. In fact, most of us probably are. But suffering in silence can be dangerous and you still have options to receive help.

According to Understanding and Recognizing The Warning Signs of Depression, by Sarah Fader in BetterHelp.com, there are some signs you might be experiencing depression. Loss of appetite and a lack of desire for food, is a big sign. Poor nutrition contributes to deepening depression, take this symptom seriously, as it can make things go from bad to worse. Ironically, overeating is also a sign. This one may be hard to identify, since everyone seems to be feeding boredom at home right now. Risky behaviors. When a person stops caring, physical hazards seem like less of an issue. Self medicating with drugs and alcohol disregarding immediate and long-term consequences in favor of escape, is a problem. This behavior extends to career, relationships and physical possessions. Any bodily pain that cannot be resolved, like headaches and digestive issues could be a sign of depression.Fatigue, insomnia and lack of concentration are all potential signs of depression. Loss of interest in pleasurable activities including sex may be a sign of depression.

Anxiety can be easier to pinpoint than depression. The signs are symptoms we all experience at times. Many of the symptoms are rational fear responses. But for me, experiencing them without reason is a bad sign. Feeling like I just nearly missed being in a car accident while I”m sitting in a house, is an easy way to describe it. Nervous, restless and tense. Feeling a sense of impending danger, panic or doom. Increased heart rate, breathing and sweating without a direct cause. Trembling. Feeling weak or tired. Difficulty concentrating or thinking about anything other than the worry. Trouble sleeping. Trying to avoid the things that trigger the worry. Driving causes me anxiety so I try to avoid driving as much as possible. Having gastrointestinal problems and difficulty controlling the worry. These are all warning signs that you are suffering anxiety. I don’t have all the symptoms. But I’m self aware enough to know that I have enough.

With a prior diagnosis of anxiety and without shame, I’m trying to take care of my mental health. I highly encourage you to seek out the help you need if you’re suffering from a combination of these symptoms. Or if one is causing you to feel miserable. There’s help available and no sense in suffering and being miserable. Covid19 is not only a hazard to your health. It can be a hazard to your mental health too.