Some portions of the nation’s population thrive on social isolation. They work from home. They homeschool their children, and they’re satisfied having little contact with people outside their own family. Others find this situation distressing. These are the people who thrive on daily interaction with friends and coworkers, clients and fellow bus-riders. When someone who needs daily stimulation from others is suddenly forced to work from home, they may begin to feel sad or hopeless. Depression treatment during COVID-19 can help. To learn more about depression treatment, contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center today.
Symptoms The Signal Needing Depression Treatment During COVID-19
Clinically speaking, depression involves prolonged feelings of sadness. While it’s completely normal to experience instances of sadness or even hopelessness, if those feelings are persistent, it’s time to see a mental health professional. Depression is defined as having five or more symptoms that persist for at least two weeks, including:
- Daily feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Daytime lethargy or feeling disinterested in life
- Depressed mood
- Restlessness
Do you frequently experience these symptoms, and they’re not going away? Depression treatment during COVID-19 from a reputable mental health facility can easily change your life.
How Does Isolation Contribute to Depression?
Doctors have long-known that isolation is a contributing factor to depression. Studies published by the National Institutes of Health found startling links between isolation and depression in older generations. Participants who lived with a spouse, or who had a strong supportive social network, experienced less depression.
But why?
Many believe it’s because human beings need other human beings to talk to, to confide in, and to laugh with. We are, by nature, familial groups. We are hunter-gatherers who closely depend upon each other for the survival of the species. Though we’ve honed our communication skills and become pickier regarding the groups in which we play important roles, we still, inherently, need each other. When we reach out and nobody reaches back, we feel sad, scared, and alone. Depression treatment during COVID-19 can help us manage these negative feelings.
Seeking Depression Treatment During the COVID-19 Quarantine
If you experience a mental health emergency during your state’s COVID-19 quarantine, you can still call 911 for help. An equally viable solution, however, is to utilize telemental health resources. Many insurance carriers now cover costs associated with telehealth physicians, including those who specialize in mental health. In times of national crisis, you may be able to receive depression treatment during COVID-19 over the phone or via your computer by using resources such as these:
- Online chat
- Telephone
- Video conferencing
Speak with a professional mental health care provider about the feelings you’re experiencing during quarantine. In many instances, your telehealth provider may be able to prescribe medication to help you through your crisis. You can then conveniently pick it up at your local drive-thru pharmacy. This type of depression treatment during COVID-19 exposes you to minimal risk of contact.
Tips for Lessening Depression During COVID-19 Quarantine
There are actions you can take at home to help lessen the effects of depression while in quarantine. These include eating feel-good foods such as turkey, walnuts, fish, and dark chocolate. Additionally, moderate daily exercise helps reduce stress and fatigue while boosting your cognitive function. While you probably shouldn’t walk along crowded streets or inside shopping malls during quarantine, you can walk around your backyard or head to a local park that’s mostly deserted. This gives you a change of scenery and a healthy dose of sunshine — both proven mood boosters.
Circumstances will return to normal soon enough. In the meantime, depression treatment during COVID-19 can help you navigate the quiet corridors of isolation in more healthy ways. Reach out today to a mental health treatment center near you. To learn more about our treatment options, contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center at 855.746.3633 today.
