It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. American women, in particular, have shouldered a tremendous burden over the past two, almost 3, years. From working from home while caring for children and/or aging parents to dealing with job insecurity and managing anxiety and depression, we’ve been through a lot.
Thankfully, there are many resources available to help us cope with these challenges. Here are five of the most popular ones:
1. Therapy: Seeing a therapist or counselor can be extremely helpful in managing anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. If you’re not sure where to start, consider searching for a therapist on Psychology Today’s Therapist Finder.
2. Meditation: Meditation can help you focus and calm your mind. There are many great meditation apps available, such as Headspace and Calm. I’ve been using the Insight Timer app since 2016. It contains a variety of guided meditations and music/ sound tracks, and of course a “timer,” complete with chimes, bells, and blocks, for your own use whether meditating in solitude or leading your own group.
3. Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. Even something as simple as a daily walk can make a difference. This past summer, I did a talk with the AARP and our local Long Island Health Collaborative, highlighting the (physical and mental) health benefits of walking (your dog!)
4. Support groups: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be very helpful. There are many online support groups available for women dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
5. Self-care: Taking care of yourself is essential for managing stress and maintaining your mental health. Make sure to schedule time for activities that make you happy, such as reading, spending time outdoors, or taking a yoga class.
It’s no surprise that Mental Health has become a topic of public debate. The New York Times is publishing a series of articles, It’s Not Just You: A Times Opinion project on mental health and society in America today, for which my sister-in-law, Dr. Maria Yang, a public health psychiatrist in Seattle, is providing some thoughtful and interesting feedback in her article, “Is Mental Health Political?” here.
What I’m really interested in is how YOU’RE doing, and what you are doing to help lift your spirit and heart these days. Whether it’s Wordle or knitting, meditation or yoga, cooking classes or tennis lessons, please know that you’re not alone. We’re all struggling to adjust to a new normal that doesn’t feel new or normal. And I, for one, can’t wait to see you again, in person. It’s been way too long.