How to manage your anxiety and depression during lockdown
Being indoors for weeks can make anyone feel anxious or depressed because you don’t really have much of an escape. Here are a few tips to help you cope with anxiety during the lockdown.
Know your triggers
We all have things, people or situations that can make us anxious. It’s important to understand what your triggers are so that you can either avoid these situations or learn to deal with them better when they do happen.
Write down your thoughts
When you’re feeling anxious or depressed, it might help to write down your thoughts. Getting things off your chest by writing them down, helps you clear your head and get some perspective. It can also help you pick up any patterns so that you can try avoid certain conversations or situations that are likely to get to you. If you are feeling sad, writing can be a less intimidating way of getting your feelings out.
Find a hobby
Since you can’t go anywhere during the lockdown, you can find things to do around the house. Reading’s a good way to take your mind off things, so are knitting and gardening. Finding an activity you can do at home will help you pass the time and take your focus from your anxiety and fears.
Keep your body and mind healthy
You can still exercise indoors by watching workout or dance videos online, or creating your own exercise routine. Getting exercise helps you produce endorphins (happy hormones) which can help you deal with depression and anxiety. You can also pay more attention to what you eat, by making the effort to make all your meals. Cooking good food is not just healthier, it also helps you get a bit more relaxed.
Be positive
Doing one productive thing per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to. Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself.
Talk to someone
Being on lockdown doesn’t mean you can’t get help for your feelings of anxiety and depression. The SADAG helpline (0800 21 22 23) is available for you to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also offer daily talks on Facebook, which you can find out more about on their website. You can also get in touch with me on social media or via Ask Choma. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Dealing with anxiety is not easy, especially when you can’t go out and do things that you really enjoy. However, there are things you can do and people you can speak to which will help you feel better. Remember that this lockdown is meant to help us all stay healthy and it’s not permanent, things will get better.
If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).
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