Depression Treatment During a National Crisis

Depression Treatment During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Trying to manage depression treatment during normal times is hard enough. But when you throw in the stress that comes with navigating the ever-escalating national crisis around the COVID-19 virus, things can begin to seem overwhelming. Your brain’s trying to tell you that everything you ever feared is coming true. It can be hard to see a way out of the darkness of depression when there seems to be nothing but impending doom coming from the TV and internet. How do you navigate the lows during such a difficult time?

1. Look Into Online Treatment Options

The seriousness of the unfolding COVID-19 crisis has led many local and state governments to issue crackdowns on when and how people can congregate. Some doctors and physicians may not be open to seeing patients in person for fear of continuing the spread of the virus.

Check to see if your primary treatment specialist would be willing to provide one-on-one sessions through video or even over the phone. Even if they can’t see you in person, many professionals are happy to extend their services in any way to help their clients through these trying times. Ask your therapist if your interpersonal therapy sessions can be online.

2. Stay On-Track With Your Medications

The disruption to a normal schedule makes it easy to skip your regular medication routine. It’s more important than ever that you take your prescriptions as intended. A national crisis is not the time to test your limits and see how “strong” you can be without your medication for depression treatment.

Ask your doctor if they can make sure you have enough prescriptions available to last you through any extended lockdown. Check with your pharmacy to see if they have a mail option to keep you from having to come in and pick up your medication.

3. Unplug

Yes, it’s good to stay informed about how things are going in the outside world. However, if what you’re hearing is causing you to feel enough despair to consider self-harm, it’s time to turn off the TV and force yourself to put down your favorite mobile device. The never-ending bad news isn’t good for even the healthiest mind.

Removing yourself from the information stream can be an effective method of depression treatment. You give your brain and spirit a chance to reboot and focus on more positive things. It may also help to have someone in the household bear the responsibility of staying tuned in to the news and updating you on the most pertinent developments. That way, you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by information.

4. Practice Self-Care

Even if your movements end up limited by local, state, or national ordinances, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the opportunity to treat yourself. If you can’t take a walk to your favorite coffee shop, teach yourself how to make your favorite café drinks at home.
Other ways you can practice self-care include:

Taking a bath in the middle of the day
Making a pan of your favorite cookies for yourself
Walking outside and enjoying fresh air while practicing safe social distancing

Having kids home from school can complicate the process of practicing self-care for depression treatment. Do your best to find any available pockets of time during the day when they’re napping or playing outside. You may have to wait until nighttime to sit and enjoy the quiet of the house. It’s a great time to clear your mind and focus on yourself.