By Sarah Armour, Business Assistant, JJ’s List

Courtesy of www2.illinois.gov

According to the World Health Organization, the Covid-19 pandemic that we’ve been dealing with for the past two years triggered “…a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.” Social isolation – having to isolate yourself from family and friends – is one reason for the increase. Fear of the unknown was another reason, among many.  

Social isolation and fear definitely impacted me. I have had depression and anxiety most of my life, so I understand how difficult it can be to deal with.  In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to share some tips that I hope might be helpful to others. Actively seek social interactions, no matter how difficult it is. Try to hang out with friends and get out in the community even if you are depressed. 

1. Actively seek social interactions, no matter how difficult it is. Try to hang out with friends and get out in the community even if you are depressed.
2. Realize you may not be able to change your mood, but you do have a choice in what actions you choose to move forward. 
3. Escape your reality for a while by listening to a podcast, reading a book, or watching TV or a movie.
4. Remind yourself that feelings and emotions don’t last forever.  That dark cloud will pass like it always has in the past.
5. Don’t blame yourself when you are feeling anxious. Accept that you are anxious,  try to move through the anxiety, and know that the feeling will eventually pass.
6. Use deep breathing techniques in meditation apps to calm your mind.
7. Expose yourself to things you are phobic or are scared of to practice how to handle them. Eventually, the exposure will break down the phobia.
   

   Courtesy of lifespan.org

8. Exercise. Working out helps with depression because it releases endorphins that make you happy.
9. Talk about your depression and anxiety to someone you trust. Don’t be ashamed of it. Talking about it helps get it out and prevents it from getting bigger in your head.
10. Be kind to yourself and do things that might make you feel better.