{"id":4922,"date":"2020-05-10T10:34:28","date_gmt":"2020-05-10T10:34:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quinessence.com\/blog\/?p=4922"},"modified":"2021-08-09T11:45:04","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T11:45:04","slug":"take-charge-of-mental-health-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quinessence.com\/blog\/take-charge-of-mental-health-lockdown","title":{"rendered":"How To Take Charge Of Your Mental Health During Lockdown Living"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TakeOur nation is sharing in an experience with the COVID-19 crisis that will serve to reshape the future of our communities, our work, our families, and each and every individual.<\/p>\n

With so much attention focused on the diagnosis and treatment related to the virus, we recognize that those feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and even substance use may impact substantially more of us than a COVID-19 diagnosis.<\/p>\n

In the UK, data shows that as many as 4 out of 5 adults are now worried about the effect that coronavirus is having on their life right now, with more than half reporting high levels of anxiety saying it affected their wellbeing.<\/p>\n

Nearly half of American adults also report that the COVID-19 crisis has affected their mental health, according to recent polling<\/a> by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Meanwhile, Mental Health America\u2019s (MHA) free, anonymous screening tools<\/a> have seen a 70% increase in individuals taking their anxiety screen, and a 64% increase in the number of people taking their depression screen between January and April of this year.<\/p>\n

During this public health emergency, it is important to take care of ourselves, support one other and spread the message that \u201cyou are not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

You are not alone<\/h2>\n

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is partnering with Anthem Inc., one of the nation\u2019s largest health benefits companies, on a month-long campaign focused on reminding all of us that \u201dYou Are Not Alone.\u201c May is National Mental Health Month, and together, NAMI and Anthem, Inc. are focused on the power and necessity of maintaining social connections and well-being during a time when many are physically distanced from each other.<\/p>\n

As NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. shared, \u201cEspecially during this time of isolation, uncertainty and tragedy, it is vital that no one feels alone in their mental health journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cThe COVID-19 crisis not only shines a spotlight on our need for social connectedness, but also our need for real mental health resources. To support individuals during this crisis, NAMI is raising awareness to change our fragmented mental health system into one that serves everyone, so people can get the care they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCaring for ourselves \u2014 physically and emotionally \u2014 is critical to improving lives and communities,\u201d said Dr. Prakash Patel, executive vice president and president of Anthem, Inc.\u2019s Diversified Business Group. \u201cDuring this challenging public health crisis, it\u2019s important to know there are resources out there, whether through your employer, healthcare provider or community organizations, to help us get through this difficult time. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. This month is a great reminder to take care of ourselves, as well as each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caring for yourself, caring for others<\/h2>\n

To take charge of your mental health during the current crisis:<\/p>\n