Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be symptoms of depression or another mental illness; It can also be incredibly common during social distancing. May is mental health awareness month and this May it is especially important that you take an assessment of your mental health.
Staying connected helps us feel a sense of belonging. Whether its talking to family and friends on the phone, texting, video chat or an online group, having people that share your interests and experiences can make all the difference.
Keeping a work/life balance is also important. More than half of American adults report working more than 50 hours a week; nearly 20 report working more than 60 hours a week. This does not include the more than 30 hours many put in as unpaid caregivers to loved ones. Finding a work/life balance is essential to feeling fulfilled in both. With many people working from home, and equally as many working the front line of COVID-19, that balance can be hard to find. Make sure you make time for yourself, even if it is as small as 30 minutes day. Having an activity you enjoy, whether it is gardening, knitting, running, or cooking, can help you separate from the stress of your work day.
Depression is one of the leading disabilities worldwide, so it is important to take symptoms seriously. Remember, that no one person or illness is the same someone may experience all of these, or none and have the same clinical diagnosis.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling Withdrawn/Sad
- Trying to Self-Harm
- Significant Weight Loss or Gain
- Excessive use of Alcohol or Drugs
- Drastic Changes in Mood, Personality, or Behavior
- Difficulty Staying Focused
- Intense Worry or Fear
- Change in Sleep Habits
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms or is struggling the best thing you can do is to reach out! Right now, many doctors, including Park DuValle Providers, are doing video appointments. This means you can see a doctor or therapist where you feel comfortable. While we always encourage talking to a medical professional, family and friends are a good place to start if you aren’t quite ready to seek help.
Park DuValle Community Health Center offers Mental/Behavioral Health Services at all of our locations (some locations strictly Tele-Health). To make an appointment please call 502-774-4401
