Jan 7, 2022 How To Deal With Depression Due to the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is a very serious public health issue. But what if the pandemic has made an impact beyond your physical health? Many people feel that their mental health has suffered throughout the pandemic. Perhaps you have been dealing with depression after feeling isolated. This has been a common experience during the pandemic. It is very difficult to be separated from your loved ones, especially during these tumultuous times. 

When you can’t enjoy your favorite activities or spend time with the people you care about, you may feel hopeless. But there are steps you can take to alleviate depression symptoms even during the pandemic. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression help you move forward into a better state of mind. But if you aren’t ready for that step, here are a few ways to boost your mood in the midst of this tough time. 

Limit Your Media Intake 

Have you been checking the news every couple of hours since the pandemic began? Of course, staying informed about new developments is important so that you are aware of any new regulations and can keep your household safe. But you do not need to spend all day looking at the latest headlines concerning the pandemic. 

It’s all too easy to waste hours scrolling through one piece of bad news after another. Instead, try limiting your media intake for a week or so and see how much lighter you feel — this is a habit that you will probably want to continue! 

Connect With Your Loved Ones 

Do you suspect that your depression stems from your isolation from your loved ones? If it’s been a while since you spent quality time together, it’s time for a change of pace. Depending on your own comfort level and your loved ones’, you may be able to host safe get-togethers. For example, you may be able to take walks together outdoors, meet up in someone’s backyard, or go out to eat at a restaurant that offers outdoor seating. You could also take additional precautions for an indoor gathering, like requiring everyone in attendance to get tested beforehand. 

Monitor Your Screen Time 

Even if you’re not prone to checking headlines about the pandemic, you still might be spending a lot more time online than you did before the pandemic. It can be hard to pull yourself away from screens. But logging off for a while can work wonders for your mood. The next time you’re tempted to spend an hour online, switch to reading a book, writing in a journal, baking a tasty recipe, or doing an activity like yoga instead. 

Eat Well 

The way you eat can have a major effect on your mood. Eating sugar can leave you feeling unfulfilled and cranky, while having too much caffeine can make you feel stressed out and anxious. Maybe you have been tempted to order lots of takeout during the pandemic rather than cooking at home. But your diet and mood are so closely linked that cooking healthy meals at home can help lift your spirits. Break out a cookbook or look up a new recipe online to start experimenting in the kitchen! 

Exercise Often 

Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that actually make you feel happy and energized. That’s why exercise can provide an instant mood boost! Even if you can’t get to the gym because of the pandemic, you can work out at home instead. You can look up home workouts that are easy to follow on YouTube. And if you’re feeling cooped up at home, you can try outdoor exercises like jogging! 

Have you been struggling with depression throughout the pandemic? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session. 

Delia Counseling Services provides quality cognitive behavioral therapy for individual adults and teens 13 years and older who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Susan Delia, LCSW serves clients online in Washington State and Florida, as well as in-person in the Yakima, Washington area including zip codes 98902 and 98901 and beyond.