Coronavirus (COVID-19) is not only affecting our lives but at some point, it is affecting our mental well-being. In a KFF Tracking Poll conducted in mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March(KFF.org, 2020). Mental well-being is all about our thoughts and feelings; and how we deal with them on regular basis. Our mental well-being is affected by situations that are important in life, such as sadness and illness. In these cases, it is about how we react – our attitudes and habits that will decide the effect on our mental well-being. Mental well-being describes your mental state and shows you how you feel and how well to deal with daily life. Our mental well-being is dynamic. It can change from time to time, from day to day, from month to month, or from year to year. Importantly, good mental well-being is not just the absence of negative thoughts and feelings. But also what we face daily like difficult and challenging situations that cause us to feel angry, sad, overwhelmed, and everything in-between.
Although mental well-being is not the same thing as mental health, still they can influence each other. Long periods of low mental well-being can lead to the development of diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. And if you have a mental health condition, you may experience low mental well-being more often than not, although there will also be long periods when you can maintain good mental well-being.
Few points which can help you develop your ability to cope with the up and downs of life and make you mentally well:
- You should think about what is affecting your wellbeing
- You should try to build positive relationships
- Always make time for yourself
- Don’t ignore your mental health
- Look after your physical health
If you are not feeling ok about your mental – well-being you must seek professional help.
You must seek counseling and speak about things that you find difficult with a trained professional. Don't be under pressure to carry on as normal. Take small measures and don't be afraid to ask for support if you find it difficult to cope on your own.
Reference
Coronavirus and mental well-being Retrieved from https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing
What is mental well-being https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543?
Nirmita Panchal, R., & 2020, A. (2020, August 21). The Implications of COVID-19 for mental Health and Substance Use. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/