The preceding months have been challenging, scary, and, of course, unnerving as the global pandemic forced most of us to retreat to our homes, secluded from friends and loved ones. For many of us, self-care may have been the last thing on our minds. Instead, concern for our jobs, our family’s security, finances, and most importantly, health took precedent. For millions of people around the world, they may have found themselves caring for a loved one who had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.
As the world begins to emerge from the unfortunate events of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stress of the situation beginning to lift, you may be questioning, “do I need mental health treatment?” For many, the reality of the pandemic not only restricted access to the activities and family they love but triggered mental health and substance use disorders to rise to the surface.
A Treatment Connection is a useful online resource to guide and direct you out of the darkness and into the light. If you or a loved one now struggles with mental health post-pandemic, there is no time to wait to begin the journey toward recovery. Learn more about the many treatment facilities available near you by using the online portal today.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health
Worldometer has recorded more than 3.8 million people worldwide have died from COVID-19 and the complications that it brought on. This staggering number alone indicates the trauma and grief that people worldwide have had to deal with as they lost loved ones and tried their best to keep moving forward.
It has been reported that 4 in 10 people recognized signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder during the pandemic. As we know, mental health disorders simply do not go away but are a disease that requires mental health diagnosis and treatment. Just because vaccination is available and restrictions are being lifted does not mean that these disorders will magically disappear.
A Treatment Connection can help guide you or a loved one in the right direction toward navigating life as we begin to emerge from under the restrictive covering of the pandemic. Learn how you can overcome the devastating impact on your mental health by enrolling in a mental health treatment program.
Vaccinated? Now What?
You now want to engage in those much-needed activities to begin the healing process and a return to normalcy. Although being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the virus, the question for many people revolves around what activities are considered “safe.”
According to the CDC, “people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.” But, what does that mean? Self-Care activities that you can once again enjoy after you are fully vaccinated include:
- Hugs. For most of us, the loss of physical contact with those we love played a significant role in our mental state. Go out and hug your grandparents, friends, and family. A hug can brighten your day and bring a smile to someone’s face.
- Exercise. While many people began new routines and engaged in new types of exercise, you may be eager to get back to the gym. Be sure that your gym is still maintaining social distancing guidelines and cleaning protocols. Exercise has proven mental health and physical benefits, so get out there and get some exercise.
- Massage services. If you are tense and stressed, maybe a massage or manicure is just what you need. While being vaccinated protects you from being sick if exposed, close contact with technicians brings added risk. It is safe to enjoy these self-care techniques, but you may want to wear a mask for added protection.
- Social gatherings. There is nothing like being able to socialize with your friends and family again. Human connection can do wonders for your mental and emotional state. However, you may not always know when others are vaccinated, so take precautions to ensure your safety to continue to maintain social distancing and wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
Re-Connect after the Pandemic with Help from Treatment Connection
It has been a long road. Be sure to keep in mind the importance of self-care as restrictions are lifted and vaccinations are delivered. You cannot engage in the “new normal” and support others if you have not put the time and energy into yourself.
We all want to return to normal, and being vaccinated is certainly the first step. If you or a loved one has experienced mental health or substance abuse challenges during these very challenging times, you may want to take the next step and get help to make the transition.
