Dealing with Depression and Anxiety Due to Isolation, Lock Downs and Stay at Home Situations — by Jon Shore
There is already a surge in people dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, frustration, fear and panic due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
This will only increase in the coming months and most people do not have the skills or tools to deal appropriately with these problems. Also you will see an increase in cases of PTSD as the months go on and for years even after the pandemic is over.
The isolation associated with having to stay at home can cause profound anxiety and depression. Most people are used to socializing and being able to go where they want when they want. Most people use their ability to move around to socialize, go to the gym, attend events, go shopping and to go out and be entertained as a distraction. It is addicting. Having to stay at home forces one to be alone with their own thoughts and emotions which forces introspection. This can be terrifying and depressing for many people. Most people spend their entire lives avoiding introspection and deep self-awareness for fear of what they might find or what they do not know. Deep self-awareness can appear as a dark and mysterious place to those who have not taken the risk of exploring inside themselves.
These days there are many distractions that most people have access to even when they are forced to stay home. The internet provides entertainment, news and communication possibilities with others. Many people are still able to work remotely and stay very busy this way. People can also exercise at home or by taking walks close to home depending on where they live. People can learn new skills and hobbies and improve existing skills. Some people will play games with family members or with others on the internet. Some people will use food as a distraction. There are thousands of distractions available even when isolated at home and it is perfectly fine to participate in and to enjoy most of these distractions. They are an integral part of living and enjoying life.
But these are all just distractions and if the avoidance of anxiety, depression, fear and other emotions is the motivation for constantly keeping the mind and body active then the core issues and the anxiety and depression will still be there under the surface ready to overwhelm at any moment. Distractions will not cure the core issues that cause depression or anxiety. Alcohol or drugs will not cure anxiety or depression, they too are distractions.
If one wishes to live a fulfilling life and thrive even during a lock down or pandemic then it is essential that they deal with any issues, beliefs, poor self-image, emotions, history and reactions that can cause depression, anxiety, fear, ignorance, panic and other life limiting experiences. Actually, a period of forced isolation is a perfect time to deal with all of the inner issues that limit us. It is the time when we are forced to confront our beliefs, fears, issues and history without the benefit of the vast array of distractions available in our world.
So my suggestion is to use this time productively to become self-aware. Get to know yourself deeply and honestly. Confront all those fears, anxieties and self-limiting beliefs. Here is a very short list of a few tools you can use to do this now no matter where you are:
Use this time of isolation to improve your life and your future. For yourself and for all those around you. By using this time to deal with your inner world now you will be able to avoid future issues like PTSD, debilitating anxiety and panic and depression for the rest of your life.
Here is an infographic you are welcome to download, use and share.
© 2020 Jon Shore
All Rights Reserved
To repost or reprint please contact the author at reachout@lifesanswers.org
Originally published at http://www.lifesanswers.org.
