COVID-19 is still rampaging the world. While Kenya hasn't been hit as hard as some other countries, it's still had an impact on the people of this country. Here are some ways that COVID-19 can have an impact on your mental health, and what you can do about it.
Anxiety
In life, there are many things to be anxious about, and one of them is getting sick. With COVID-19, many are feeling heightened anxiety. If you hear that there's an outbreak in your area, your anxiety may skyrocket. And if you are older, your anxiety may be even more intense.
In addition, if you're worried about your job being impacted or you have had to change jobs or work from home, this can increase anxiety too.
Feeling anxious? Stop and breathe. Look for ways to distract yourself or to calm your mind.
Less Exercise and Poorer Diet
One way to improve your mental health is to exercise more. When you work out, it's a good distraction and your body releases chemicals to make you feel good. However, many people are afraid to go outside or to the gym, causing them to exercise less.
Not exercising? Start slowly. Exercise from home. There are so many free workouts on YouTube, from Yoga to Pilates, to HIT training that you should be able to find something that suits your needs (and maybe even something you enjoy!
We Are Sleeping Less
One impact COVID-19 is having on people's mental health is less sleep. You may be so anxious that you have a hard time falling asleep or you may wake in the night and not be able to get back to sleep. t. Insufficient sleep can have a negative effect on your mental health and can also make you more prone to sickness.
Not getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night? Dedicate a good hour before bed to unwind and do something relaxing such as yoga, meditation or reading a book. Talk to a doctor if you're still unable to fall asleep.
We Are Drinking More
COVID-19 has made some people want to drink more alcohol. Having the occasional beer or glass of wine isn't bad for you, but don't overdo it. It's expensive and can negatively impact your mental and physical well-being.
Are you or a love one drinking too much? We encourage you to reach out to a trained professional for help.
Less Socialization
COVID-19 has made us less social. Sure, there are internet alternatives to face-to-face conversations, but for some, it's not enough. Being isolated can impact your mental health. You may feel lonely and it may cause you to get depressed.
Lonely? Reach out to friends or loved ones whenever possible, be it from a distance or online.
It's Hard to Figure Out What's Real
Another impact of COVID-19 is toxic social media, with plenty of misinformation and bad actors. It can make you start to question what is real or true. In addition, people seem to be much more hostile on social media thanks to the pandemic.
It's important for you to manage your social media feed during this time, and read every story with skepticism. Do your own research and try scrutinizing every story that seems suspicious.
An Increase in Depression
All of the above and more can cause people to become more depressed than ever. You may feel isolated, feel like nothing matters, and you may not enjoy the things you once loved. Depression can happen on occasion, but left untreated, it can lead to various other mental health problems.
That's why it's important to…
Seek Help
One impact of COVID-19 is that more people are recognizing the importance of mental health care. Talking to a therapist can improve your state of mind and quality of life. If you feel like you need help, don't hesitate to speak to a therapist.
Online therapy and licensed counselors are available through online counselling with BetterHelp. Talk to someone today and improve your mental health.

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