We Care About Your Mental Health During COVID-19

When we don’t feel safe, in control, and uncertain about what will happen, anxiety can overwhelm us. Today there is a continual sense of uncertainty in the public atmosphere and tons of conflicting information around us. It is in times like these, where we can suffer the most in our mental health.
 
We all suffer in mental health in different ways.  Sometimes we’re suffering mentally and we don’t even realize it’s happening. You could be on the edge more often than normal. You can find yourself feeling angrier towards others, more helpless overall, and sadder in general. You may even deal with the stress of the current circumstance by completely avoiding and ignoring anything that’s happening. And if you already struggle with mental wellness, you might be more depressed and not motivated to do day-to-day activities.
 
The good news is you’re not helpless. You’re not hopeless.  Jesus sees your situation. He’s with you in your pain. He is in control and he will never leave you nor forsake you. Lean on him in these times and he will carry you through. Seek to be near him in your time of need and he’ll provide rest for your weary mind and soul.


Here is some practical steps you can take to rest your mind:


   1. Remember who’s in absolute control and control what you can control.

There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those things. For example, wash your hands.  Remind others to wash theirs. Wear a mask if you leave your home. Stay at a safe distance from others. If you’re on medication, take your medication. Lastly, limit how much of the news you watch (you don’t need to know what’s happening on a cruise ship you're not on).


    2. Get outside in nature

Take a walk in the neighborhood with your spouse. If you're single, take a walk in the neighborhood and FaceTime a friend to talk with on your walk. Getting some sun, a dose of vitamin D, some fresh air, and quality time with someone else can change how you feel.  Exercise can also help  your physical and mental health.


   3. Challenge yourself to stay in the present.

When your worry starts compounding you begin not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, make an effort to gently bring yourself back to the present moment.  Try acknowledging the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Lastly, engage in activities where you have to be very present mentally. It serves as a way to help you stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.
 

   4. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support.

It’s important that you share what you are feeling. So, call and talk to a trusted friend(s) about what you are feeling. And stay connected and accountable to those friends regularly.

If anxiety begins to overwhelm you and you feel that your mental health is severely struggling, it is wise and ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support.  Always remember you are not alone and you don’t have to be alone with your worry. It can be very comforting to be able to share what you're experiencing.  So, call someone who is trained and equipped to help you and share your experience with them.

We know these times are hard and we are in this with you. There is help available. Reach out to us at info@redemptioncity.com if you’d like to get connected with a recommended professional for help. If you’re struggling with feeling alone or struggling with your mental health in general and you need someone to speak to immediately who is trained to help you, reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.