It has been a rough past two years... and this covid thing is still sticking around.
This is just going to be a random post, a rant, and a background as to my mental health, along with where I am at. I think it is important to share where I am at because I know a lot of you can relate to it, feel the same way, and are going through the same things.
Covid-19
It has been hard enough on so many people in so many different ways. People are losing their jobs, businesses, loved ones, etc.. It also seems like we are on a hamster wheel, it is like groundhog day. I wake up go to work, come home and repeat. Normally we would all have things to look forward to seeing our friends, events, going to restaurants.
I am missing experiencing life!
It seems like a sheltered way of living. I get why we cannot do any of those things. It is a good reason, but I am at the point where it is really getting to me.
At the beginning of last year when Covid-19 had just started, I was busy trying to find a job, I had the car accident that put me in a lot of pain so I was not really focused on Covid in terms of holly shit I will not be able to live my life. This is because I was too busy trying to get the basics of my life figured out- get a new job and focus on my neck recovery.
When I did a new job, others were having a hard time with Covid and all the pain it brought them. So, I was trying to be the optimistic one, the one to try to uplift them. Let's be honest two negative people ranting to each other can be an endless pit, and it would not help anyone.
Fast forward, it is finally really taking a toll on me.
Not seeing my grandparents - the fact that their time is already running out and I am not spending time with them. Yes, we facetime, but it is not the same. They also mention it all the time that I am not visiting, but it is for their safety.
Work - it is so all over the place. We are closed to the public, then open, then closed. Also, my role keeps changing. Also, everyone is so nervous to re-open because people (customers) ever since covid have been so CRAZY. They are rude, verbally abusive, some do not wear a mask or do not wear it properly. I feel as if people are agitated and take it out on people who work retail jobs or and service-based jobs. I am not looking forward to that. Even though I am extremely grateful to have a job, the risk not only to our health - the covid risk but also the mental health aspect. It is exhausting getting yelled at by customers.
Being Confined - I live in Canada. It is so F**K cold outside. In the summer during our first lockdown, it was not that bad because we could spend time outside. Now we are inside, the same four-walls. It just feels like I am not living.
Seasonal Depression
Covid-19 has been the root of a lot of anxiety, and depression.
I can not even go out to the grocery store without freaking out because other people are not taking it seriously, nevermind all the other crazy things going on like random shootings.
There is also a lot going on globally that is horrible.
I have always been someone who takes on others emotions, I really feel for people, I deeply can relate and feel their pain. It has always been a downfall of mine because sometimes it does consume me. It is the reason I do not watch the news more often because I will just be gutted all day over what I am hearing and seeing, it really takes a toll on me.
Now that the seasons are changing Seasonal Depression is something that is upon us.
With Covid-19 it will just be even harder for some.
My History with Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is something I have had since high school. I will not go in-depth into my past with it. I want this post to be more about how to help your depression and anxiety.
My co-worker also refers to it as the Covid-19 Blues. I thought that was spot on. We are all at this point in this pandemic when it seems like there is no end in sight, especially with the different covid variants.
I was sitting, just staring at the wall the other day, in a mood. I was tired, felt like mush, I had so much to do and I just was zoned out, mad, angry, my chest was filled with anxiety. I was confused as to why I was feeling like this all of a sudden. I looked at the calendar and was like crap it February, time for that seasonal depression...
How to Help your Depression and Anxiety
Acknowledge your feelings- Journalling - It is good to ask yourself why you are feeling what you are feeling. Let yourself feel the emotions you are feeling but do not sit in it. You have heard me so many times saying how much I love journaling. It is a great way to get it out of your system, process what you feel, and leave it all on that piece of paper!
Get creative, pick up a hobby- I am creative and need to exercise that side of my brain otherwise I know I am not a happy camper. Art therapy is a thing! You do not have to be the best, you just need to have fun. The act of completing something they say does help with your emotions, it is an accomplishment. I have also started creating To-Do Lists - I cross off what I have completed and it makes me feel so much better.
Talk to someone - It does not always have to be a professional, although I do love therapy and truly has seen the benefits of it. It can be anyone, a lot of workplaces offer free hotlines that offer support for their co-worker's mental health. It is important to know you are not alone. Your feelings and emotions are so valid! Talking to my co-workers about my feeling has made me realize that we are all going through similar emotions and scenarios.
*** You can also DM ME!! ->> SHYYSHIANNE - I love talking to you guys and I am always here to support and help you guys in any way that I can***
Have a Routine -
Move that body - a morning stretch before or after your coffee. Moving your body helps so much! physical health also contributes to mental health.
Meditation - I am the worst at this. My mind is always going but I do try to practice deep breathing in the morning and really paying attention to my breathing. I usually do this outside to get some fresh air.
Drink Water - this sounds so stupid BUT it has helped with my energy level, and my mood. It is also a good idea to have a healthy diet. I have been eating better and that has helped with my mood as well. I feel less sluggish.
Feed Yourself Positivity - I think it is great to vent to other people, back and forth about how you feel. Like I said it makes you feel not alone. However, when you are home, on your phone consume positive content.
Gratitude Journal - I love this, I have started doing it again. Every morning I write at least three things I am grateful for. It can be situations, memories, people whatever. I also go into detail as to why I am grateful, how it has changed my life for the better. It is just a great way to start your day off right.
If you are really struggling, as many of us are please seek a professional's help, tell someone, talk to someone. Mental health especially during these times is no joke. It has been such an emotionally strenuous two years. It is so important to take care of yourself, especially your mental health.
