Virtual Lunch Together presenter and anxiety/depression expert, Margaret Wehrenberg, is discussing the risks of isolation during this time. Whether you have depression, supporting someone with depression or feeling the effects of staying at home during social-distancing, this article is a definite read!
As Margaret Wehrenberg suggests:
‘If you are already depressed:
- Stay in contact with your therapist if you are receiving treatment. Talk about what you can do to mitigate the depression.
- Continue any meds and make sure you have appropriately refilled prescriptions. There is no evidence that failures in the supply chain will prevent you from getting your prescription, but it is best not to wait until the last minute to refill your prescription, because pharmacies may get busy.
- Continue to exercise—especially outside where the fresh air and sunshine can feel energizing.’
Suggestions for everyone:
- Check-in with reliable source of news once or twice a day and avoid fear-mongering sources.
- Stay connected to family and friends through phone calls, texting and facetimes
- Keep a schedule
- Go to bed and get up at the times you normally would.
- Eat at regular mealtimes and try to maintain nutrition
- Get outside! Social distancing does not require complete withdrawal into an apartment or house. Walk, run, shoot baskets, ride a bike, garden—anything that uses your physical energy and gives you a chance to experience the world outside your four walls will enliven you.
- If you have a spiritual discipline, this is the time to continue practicing it.
- If you live with other people, make sure that you have some time to yourself if constant contact is likely to increase your inner tension
What are you doing to make sure you stay safe?
Watch Virtual Lunch Together with Margaret Wehrenberg in the VLT archives