COVID-19 and your mental health

As the ‘national pause’ gets closer, residents are being encouraged to take the state of their mental health seriously, as prolonged solitude can often trigger anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Joy Sue shared this advice as she spoke Saturday on the mental stress some people can expect to experience during the two-week lockdown period.

According to Dr Sue, communication amongst friends and family during this time is important.

“I would like for everybody to have a plan for communication, as having someone to talk to is a good way of relieving stress. It is important to express your feelings, talk about things that are bothering you, and if you could at least find one person you can do that with, then that would be good. Whether it’s a person in your household, or if it’s someone you can speak to via Zoom or WhatsApp chats, or any kind of other communication that you can use,” she said.

Dr Sue also suggested that for individuals who are not comfortable expressing their feelings openly, personal diaries can also be a great avenue which they can explore to help cope with the anxiety around the pandemic.

Taking on a positive attitude is also one of the best ways to cope in times of stress according to Dr. Sue, who said people should embrace thinking positively, and looking at the bright side for situations while staying indoors.

“Instead of focusing on those negatives, focus on the positives you still have in your life. Like the love of your family and your friends, and the ability to still communicate with them, even if that may not be face to face. So accentuate the positives in your life,” she said.

Dr Sue also assured Barbadians that though the country will be in lockdown, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is committed to keeping its mental health service operating as usual. So persons finding difficulty in coping with their mental stress, can seek assistance from the ministry. (SB)