Mental Health & COVID-19 (Part 1/2): The Pandemic Within the Pandemic

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There’s that famous saying, “ your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” but what does that mean for mental health when your ability to stay physically healthy becomes significantly more difficult? This question has been on many people’s minds, as the physical spaces and experiences of humans has been drastically altered due to COVID-19. Professor of Abnormal Psychology at Elon University, Anne-Marie Iselin, attempts to explain the mental health reality during this period and how we can remain mentally healthy and support those who are struggling. 

Since the beginning of social isolation, 45 percent of all United States adults have reported that their mental health has been impacted due stress over the coronavirus. According to Iselin, this stress can result in humans uncovering things they didn’t know about themselves, which may result in even worse mental states. 

“Broad and intense levels of stress and major life upheaval causes us to go inward when we maybe would not have otherwise,” Iselin said. “This may cause us to potentially uncover things we didn’t know about ourselves and things that we are unaware of—things that we don’t like.” 

When these realizations come to light, it is important to have coping mechanisms in order to keep ourselves healthy. A main factor, while at times can be difficult, is acceptance. 

“Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you’re feeling and not try to fight it or cover it up. Sit with it, allow it to be, and if possible, connect with it by writing about it, talking about it and being creative with it,” said Iselin. “Try to understand that you have these intense emotions and let that experience be your own. Somedays you might feel great and others you might not. Do not judge yourself for those changes.” 

But, having the ability to accept change is not always the easiest thing. Therefore, if you are struggling, it is important to have support. Likewise, if you are not struggling but know someone who is, it is critical you support them.

“Being a support network in whatever way a person needs is important right now. Whether it’s video conferencing, email, or any sort of positive activities that you can do remotely together -- just listening and sitting and letting them cry and be with themselves and their emotions,” said Iselin.

Many of us are going to be affected by COVID-19 in terms of our mental health, and that is okay. It is just important that we understand the ways in which we are being affected and seek out help and comfort from loved ones and allies. Meditate, talk a walk in nature, and connect with joy and gratitude. This will pass, and we are in it together.