Dr. Frances Walls, a Temple Jeremiah member and clinical psychologist at Northwestern Medicine, created the following tips for dealing with depression and feelings of loss of control during the pandemic. Check them out below:
- Feeling sad or down during this time is normal. Some people with depression may find that the changes and losses in the current environment are triggers for worsening mood.
- The changes in the world are true losses. This can include losses due to illness, death, unemployment, change in financial status and uncertainty in future education for ourselves or our children.
- Do not expect that you can control the changes for now, find small things each day that feel manageable and do them.
- Be especially kind to yourself with the current environment. Find one or two others who understand your situation and stay in contact with them for support. Be honest. Seek professional help if needed or access self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous if addiction becomes an issue.
- Resources are here for you. Don’t be afraid to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) or to use the free coping tools available on NoShameOnU’s website.