Our Mental Health...

Is at stake!

In the past few months, I have written on travel, summer plans, and even kids’ safety. I got to today May 2nd and a new month and thought about what I am going to write about. And then it hit me. For this month I am going to write about all things mental— health, wellness, and stress. Since this might not fill out the month of May, I may dip into the archives for the later weeks.

“The dueling disasters of a frightening, life-threatening virus and the resulting school and day-care closures pushed millions of women out of the workforce, and the rest were left juggling impossible schedules that made burnout inevitable.” — Amil Niazi, The Cut

Parents had to work full time, run a business, or freelance while being parents, teachers, playmates, short-order cooks, and house cleaners. This is a lot and this is an understatement.

I wish I could say it was just parents experiencing burnout, but our kids are too. “Mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and young adults are real and widespread. Even before the pandemic, an alarming number of young people struggled with feelings of helplessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide — and rates have increased over the past decade,” said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. “The COVID-19 pandemic further altered their experiences at home, school, and in the community, and the effect on their mental health has been devastating. The future wellbeing of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.” — Dept. of Health and Human Services

Those who suffered mental health issues prior to the pandemic saw a worsening of their conditions as some of their coping mechanisms were shut down with the pandemic shutdown. Retail therapy, anyone?! According to the Mayo Clinic, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.”

The overall point: the pandemic affected our mental health in so many ways that according to some it will take a generation (30 years) to get over. So, over the rest of the month, my articles will focus on ways to help yourself be mentally well. This is especially important as there are new strains of the virus coming down the pike.

Some things I plan to do in the next few months for my mental health:

·      Have a girls’ weekend with my bestie (we live a 4 hour plane ride from each other)

·      Go camping for the first time in over 20 years

·      Cook more with my daughter

·      Write more thank you notes (when it’s called for)

·      Remember to go easy on myself