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Mental Health Check-In

I've always been a bit of a homebody, so I thought having to stay home and quarantined wouldn't be that bad. Well, it has finally gotten to me--I've got cabin fever. Do you?

Yesterday was Easter, and that made it much worse. My whole life, I've spent Easter with family: coloring eggs, going to church, coming home and having a delicious Easter dinner. I thought of my grandfather, cooped up with Alzheimer's in his assisted living facility. Under normal circumstances, I probably would have gotten to see him on Easter Sunday.

Not so yesterday. I tried not to let it get to me, but I couldn't help it. I was down in the dumps all day. My parents and sister even drove from an hour away to drop off a (highly sanitized) picnic basket full of Easter goodies; but seeing their faces through my glass storm door almost made it worse. They were so close, yet so far away; I wanted to hug them, and certainly be less than 6 feet away from them. We waved and talked a little through the glass. When they drove away, I had a lump in my throat.

Even though I'm a homebody, obviously I still had the option to go places. But now, since that option has been taken away, it's like I want to go places even more! You always want what you can't have, right? I find myself sitting and obsessing over the places that I want to go and the things I want to do.

As far as missing family, I've found that Facetiming has really helped. I'm not a huge Facetime person, but I've been surprised at how much it helps to see their faces and expressions while I'm talking to them; it's way better than just a phone call. If you haven't, you should definitely try it. Lately I've been listening to soothing meditation music at night, and it eases my sleep. Watching a TV show that makes me laugh is helpful too. These are just a couple of things that have worked for me personally.

If you're feeling isolated and alone, don't worry: it's normal and you're not alone. Talk to someone (better yet, Facetime your family or best friend!). If you have anxiety and depression issues, your symptoms are probably at an all-time high right now, and THAT'S OKAY. Even if you don't suffer from anxiety or depression, and you start having uncharacteristic thoughts and feelings, do not ignore them. Mental health facilities are still running and doing what they can. You HAVE to take care of that part of yourself. Whatever soothes your anxiety, put yourself first and do that thing. Remember: you can't take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself.




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