Your Mental Health During The Pandemic

Hello Everyone,

If you are reading this, then chances are you are interested in the subject of your mental health during this pandemic. Over the course of the past several weeks I have noticed all kinds of personalities handling the Covid-19 crisis as best as I can assume they know how. There were those in denial and disbelief (I myself included in the masses of that section for awhile). There were those who instantly felt insecure and felt their needs threatened and immediately started “hoarding” or preparing in their own ways. And many others re-evaluating their livelihood spread across the spectrum of this worldwide issue.

So what does this all mean for our mental health?

If you are anything like me you may have even questions your tactics for surviving the virus. At times, I have reassured myself that I am doing enough, while in other moments I have felt fear, denial and longing for better days.

Being a bereaved mother, this feels strangely similar to how I felt after losing my baby. Isolation. Fear of the unknown. A lack of belonging. Secondary losses. But rather than stress about all the familiar feelings, I wanted to take some time to discuss the topic. To offer my thoughts to those who may be struggling with the ideas of our temporary “normal” and look deeper into what causes us to feel so out of place.

Meet Mr. Abraham Maslow. For those of you who follow me on my Avery’s Garden pages, this might look familiar. There have been times when I have referred to this pyramid. Well, today we are going to talk about this in relation to the virus.

If you notice, the pyramid called Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is divided into several sections.

• Physiological

• Safety

• Love and Belonging

• Esteem

• Self-Actualization

Each section represents parts of the human experience that we rely on to feel fulfilled. When there is a disturbance in these tiers it can cause a breakdown of our mental health and may also result in depression, anxiety, anger, fear and may others.

Physiological

Our physiological needs consist of breathing, food, water, sex, sleep and health.

• As the pandemic continues to unravel, some may be feeling resistance in this tier of their needs. Our breathing has become a topic due to airborne germs with a focus of staying indoors.

• Our food supply may become a concern as we see an influx of those buying large quantities of food in preparation of the fears they have. Restrictions have been placed on restaurants and can hinder how people provide for themselves and their families. And our usual go-to staples of grocery shopping are effected as more and more people are being kept inside.

• Sleep may become an increased concern for those who are worried and stressed out.

• Health is at the forefront of this pandemic. We fear our own health but also that of our families and friends.

Suggestions: To better your mental health in this section, perhaps break down the facts. In reality, we can survive on very little. We need food, primarily protein and water. Think of everything you have currently in your fridge and pantry. Is this truly enough food for you and your family? Evaluate whether your needs are met or being influenced by the increased fear on social media and tv. Find a balance by eating well within your means, getting fresh air and develop a nighttime routine that will help you sleep better.

Safety

Our safety needs consist of security of body, employment, resources, mortality, of the family of health and property.

• Families all across the globe are struggling with this tier. Because at the base of it all, none of us what to contract the virus or see our friends and family effected.

• Employment is largely impacted by the number of households designed with essential employees, but also those who can not work. This causes an influx for concern and fear for those going to the front line but also stress of families who cannot work to provide immediate needs.

• Our resources are at a higher risk as people continue to overcompensate what they actually need to survive.

• Families fear for their homes. Fear that mortgages and rent won’t be met.

Suggestions: Make sure you are keeping up with the developments for Covid and taking precautions to avoid the virus. Practice pristine general hygiene. Follow suggestions and limit interactions, unnecessary trips, and abide to social distancing. Evaluate your resources and get creative with the items you have on hand. And stay vigilant with your employment status. Individual circumstances are being reviewed daily to help lessen the burden that many families are facing. Remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Love and Belonging

Love and belonging relates to our friendships, family and intimacy.

• Across the globe friends and family are being kept apart. It wouldn't be uncommon if someone who is usually very extroverted to experience a sense of loss during this time of crisis.

• Others who are not working may rely on work relationships to stimulate their social needs.

• Due to the quarantine, many relationships are increasing the communication by texting, calling, video chatting and social media posts. Those who are not use to this may become anxious. It also increases our need to want to check up on our families.

• Intimacy may be effected due to adults increased stress levels and inability to sleep. Partners may be split due to at home duties, work, etc.

Suggestions: Make time for yourself but also your loved ones. Do not become overwelmed by the idea that you need to keep everyone safe. Remember that while you may not be able to attend anticipated gatherings, you belong to the collective society that is striving to overcome this pandemic.

Esteem

Esteem is split into two categories: (i) esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g., status, prestige).

• Covid has created multiple subgroups due to social distancing. There are essential employees still going to the front lines, employees staying home, businesses shut down, companies reorganizing and so much more.

• Individuals may experience feelings of loss due to restrictions of independence.

• People may need to lower their ego walls to ask for help to meet basic needs.

Suggestions: If you are lacking in this tier, my suggestion is to try to approach the situation as humble as you can. It can be stressful to think that appearances need to be kept up and that prestige and productivity need to be on display. You are not being judged on how much you get done in a day or by how you are choosing to use this time apart. Use this opportunity for personal growth and a break from daily life. This may be a good time to reevaluate what you consider important.

Self Actualization

Refers to the realization of a person's potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences. Maslow describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be.

• Individuals may perceive or focus on this need very specifically. Ie: One person may have a strong desire to become an ideal parent. In another, the desire may be expressed economically, academically or athletically. For others, it may be expressed creatively, in paintings, pictures, or inventions.

• The pandemic could hinder focus on the self due to othed pressing matters.

• Emotions can circle around the problem solving aspect and make people fearful of the future.

Suggestions: Understand that while the virus may be stopping you from certain parts of your life, self actualization is still possible. Be gentle with yourself and try not to expect immediate results from changes in your routine. Our lifestyles may be different but sometimes that is what needs to happen for growth to take place.

In closing, I hope that you take this information and begin to examine how you may be handling this unique time. While it can be so easy to get swept up in information and news, take away the parts that are best for your growth.

Remember that the entire world is facing this, and that you are not alone.

Reach out to friends, family and social groups that can help you build bonds and much needed stimulation. Don’t be afraid to explore your own life and wellness during this period. Focus on how you can feel better and more fulfilled.

Find hobbies and projects that can keep your mind occupied. Get lots of fresh air while still respecting the space needed.

We will get through this together.

Stay safe and healthy,

Tara