Are There Ways to Improve Mental Health During COVID-19?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Improving mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic requires a multifaceted approach, including the use of telehealth services, promoting physical activity and good sleep, implementing workplace interventions, providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, and enacting supportive governmental policies. These strategies collectively help mitigate the adverse mental health effects of the pandemic and support overall well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health worldwide, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Researchers have explored various strategies to mitigate these adverse effects and improve mental health during this challenging period.

Key Insights

• Telehealth and Remote Interventions:
  • The use of telepsychiatry and remote mental health services has been effective in providing support and continuity of care during the pandemic1 3 5.
  • Non-traditional models, such as online therapy and digital mental health tools, have been crucial in reaching a broader population1 4.
• Physical Activity and Sleep:
  • Regular physical activity and maintaining good sleep quality have been shown to alleviate negative emotions and improve overall mental health6.
  • Exercise has a direct positive impact on reducing stress and anxiety levels6.
• Workplace Interventions:
  • Improving workplace infrastructure, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing resilience training programs can mitigate mental health issues among workers7.
  • Addressing job insecurity and ensuring clear communication about safety measures are essential for reducing workplace-related stress7.
• Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups:
  • Tailored interventions for vulnerable populations, such as children, older adults, frontline workers, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, are necessary3 8 10.
  • Community-level interventions and health communication strategies can help address mental health conditions in these groups8.
• Government and Policy Recommendations:
  • Governmental programs and policies that focus on mental health education, self-care, and the use of technology and media are recommended to support mental health during the pandemic4.
  • Continuous assessment and adaptation of mental health services are crucial for addressing the evolving needs during the pandemic5.

Are there ways to improve mental health during COVID-19?

Michaela Pascoe has answered Near Certain

An expert from Victoria University in Mental Health, Psychology

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine highlights six areas for us to invest in to promote or improve our mental health: sleep, nutrition, social connectedness, physical activity/exercise, stress management and avoiding risky substance use.

1. Sleep

Lack of sleep, or poor quality sleep, can contribute to poorer mental health. Keeping to your usual sleep routine even when your daily life has been disrupted is helpful. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

2. Nutrition

The food we eat can have a direct impact on our mental health. Try to eat a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and nutrients. Where possible, avoid processed food, and those high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, which have been linked to poorer mental health.

3. Social connectedness

Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical well-being and can protect against anxiety and depression. Despite the physical barriers, it’s important to find alternate ways to maintain your connections with family, friends and the community during this difficult time.

4. Exercise

Physical activity decreases anxiety, stress and depression and can be used as part of a treatment plan for people with mental illness. Regular exercise also improves the function of your immune system and decreases inflammation. You might need to find different ways of exercising, such as running, walking or tuning into an online class, but try to make physical activity an enjoyable and rewarding part of your daily routine while at home. Scheduling physical activity at the end of your “work day” can help to separate work from your personal life when working from home.

5. Stress management

It’s important to be able to recognise when you’re stressed. You might have feelings of panic, a racing heart or butterflies in the stomach, for example. And then find ways to reduce this stress. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, for example, can decrease stress and improve mental health. There are a number of breathing exercises that can also help to manage stress. Spending time outdoors has also been shown to reduce stress. So consider spending time in your backyard, on your balcony or deck, or if possible, take a greener route when accessing essential services. Talking about your experiences and concerns with a trusted person can also protect your mental health.

6. Avoiding risky substance use

While it might be tempting to reach for alcohol or other drugs while you’re self-isolating, keep in mind they can trigger mental health problems, or make them worse. The draft alcohol guidelines recommend Australians drink no more than ten standard drinks a week, and no more than four a day. People who drink more than four standard drinks per day experience more psychological distress than those who do not.