If something has become clear to us during the pandemic, it is the fact that mental health care needs recognition and impulseon everyone’s part.

Quality mental health services have always been necessary, and should have been a staple for a long time, but the pandemic has made visible the real importance both of mental health itself, and of the attention that must be devoted to it so that it does not lead to a problem< /strong>. Previously, mental health was something very stigmatized and little recognized, which has become more and more visible due to the complicated situationthat we have had to live through. If you are interested in understanding a little better the process of how the pandemic has affected the mental health of the population, you can read about the topic here, on our own page.

It is clear that reducing stigma around illnesses and mental health, and ensuring access to health services qualitymust be one of our goals to achieve from now on.

Mental health makes us able to think, feel, learn, work, build relationships and generally contribute > to our own growth and that of our community.

Like physical health, which we can observe in a much simpler way, and about which almost no one dares to doubt, mental health is a right , and should be considered and treated with the same importance as its namesake.

What has been the cost of the pandemic?

Any diagnosed mental disorder can cause significant harm to health, education or living conditions. lifeof the population. The pandemic has profoundly influenced our way of relating to others, our way of interacting with our environment, and even our >attitudetowardslife in general.

For example, some of the most significant impacts have been:

• Due to the implementation of teleworking and home schooling, family roles have been substantially modified .
• There has been a significant increase in the frequency and severity of domestic violence.
• Many of the studies carried out have shown anegative impact of loneliness on mental health, reducing our resilience as well.
• Emergence of health anxiety, especially in people who were and are exposed to a higher risk of infection.

Mental health self-care: basic measures

Precisely because we are faced with a new and potentially dangerous situation for our health, both mental and physical, we must take control over ourselves and try to take care of ourselves , now more than ever, to face this difficulty, and become even stronger.

“Mens sana”… Or the mental health part

• Maintain usual routines: both in schedules and in the activities that we can do, it is good to continue living (to the extent of as possible, of course) just as we did “before the pandemic”. It is a good time to add other activities that we consider enjoyable, new hobbies, etc.
• The media, at bay: today, unfortunately, excess of information is one of our fundamental problems . The constant exposure to news about COVID-19, whether true or false, both on television and on social networks, makes our strong>fearor ourneurosis mayintensify or become a problem. It is good to read about recommendations, or in case you have doubts, but always from reliable sources, such as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the World Health Organization.
• Occupy your time: any healthy distraction can keep us away from negative thoughts, and at the same time, make our state of mood improves considerably, focusing on positive thoughts and feelings.
• Set priorities: setting reasonable goals every day also improves our mood, we strong>relaxes and powers our positivity.

“In corpore sana”… Or the part of physical health

• Sleep schedule: we should get enough sleep, but try to stay active the rest of the day.
• Regular physical activity: any physical activity that includes movement can help us reduce anxiety and improve our mood. If, in addition, it occurs outdoors, it will also help us to calm down. At this point we will highlight yoga, pilates and tai chi, since they are disciplines that, in addition to keeping us in shape , they can make relaxation easier, which is just what we need.
• Healthy diet: although it may seem difficult, it is the ideal time to learn to eat yourself in a balanced way. It’s also a good idea to limit caffeine as much as possible.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs: in general, the consumption of these types of substances to cope or downplay problems of any kind can make things worse. Likewise, we should avoid taking drugs as a means of coping (unless they are recommended by a doctor).
• Reduce screen time: turn off electronic devices for a period of time at day, especially before going to bed, also has a positive impact on our health.

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