These uncertain times have left all of us feeling worn down and exhausted. There is always the risk of getting sick or passing on COVID-19 unwittingly to someone you love and care about.
Also, how we live our lives has been upended by this virus. It’s hard coping with change, especially when all you see on the news is rising case counts and shelter-in-place orders.
You may be feeling more than just down or a little blue from all this. In fact, you might actually be struggling with depression.
Is there anything that you can do?
Consider these three keys for coping with depression during times of uncertainty.
Key #3: Hang on to What’s Familiar
It’s truly amazing how much of our lives are built around what is familiar to us. Coronavirus has certainly disrupted some of this familiarity. For instance, we are no longer going into packed stadiums to attend sporting events or a music hall to see the latest show.
However, the essence of what we find familiar and comforting hasn’t gone away. We just have to adapt a little to these new circumstances. That’s helpful for coping with depression.
For example:
Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing by staying six feet apart
Meeting a friend at the park to chat but keeping your distance
Attending an open-air recital with fewer attendees than normal
Plus, there are all the things that you love to do at home that don't require COIVD-19 adaptations! Hold on to those familiar things in your life. They will help you to stay grounded during these times of uncertainty.
Key #2: Get Outside as Much as Possible
One common attribute of depression is that it causes people to withdraw. They will stay at home not wanting to go out, even when there isn’t a global pandemic.
That’s why despite COVID-19, it’s very useful to get outside into nature when coping with depression. Being outdoors is effective and it feels good! Plus, it’s the perfect activity right now.
However, you don’t have to climb a mountain to get the benefits of nature and the outdoors. Why not consider doing these things:
Working outside in your yard or garden
Taking a walk on a nature trail
Reading a book in the park
Spending time by the beach
Going for a bike ride
Being outside allows you to breathe fresh air, soak in the sun’s rays, and get away from the confines of your home.
Key #3: Focus on What’s in Your Control
Oftentimes, people with depression struggle with the “what-if’s.” For instance:
What if they never find a cure?
Will I ever see my parents again?
How long will I have to live under these conditions?
These and similar questions may bounce around in your head. And of course, there’s no way that you can answer them definitively. And that alone can make you even more depressed.
However, what if you took a different approach? Focus less on what you can’t control as opposed to what you can. For example, you can’t control the fact that there isn’t a cure yet for COVID-19. Yet, you do have the power to stay healthy, to work, be creative, and maintain positive relationships with others. By focusing on these things you will find that you have much more power than you realized.
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Depression is crippling even during good times. But when there is a deadly disease swirling the globe, it certainly makes things much worse. By keeping the aforementioned three keys in mind, you can do a lot to keep depression at bay.
However, if you are still struggling, ask for support. Please feel free to contact me to learn more about how my approach to depression treatment can help.