How Has the Pandemic Changed You or What You Do?

It is not unusual to hear people talking about how the pandemic has changed their

lives. Most of our answers will vary, but all will reveal some revelatory insights or

transformational changes that have occurred within our mindsets or lifestyles.

It is rather clear that the COVID-19 Pandemic has brought about many changes,

some good and others not so good. Some of the changes will be with us

temporarily, and others may not ever go away. The virtual church, telemedicine,

curbside pick- up and on-line shopping are examples of changes that may not go

away.

But what about the changes to our mental health conditions that the pandemic has

left behind such as depression or anxiety? There is nothing good about either

condition or the debilitation that it can cause. It is absolutely critical as we head out

of the pandemic that we identify and take seriously the warning signs of

depression and anxiety that can afflict anyone.

Both the grief and trauma of the pandemic are major contributors to depression and anxiety. There are at least ten signs of

depression or anxiety that it behooves us to know. Recognizing the signs can be a life saver for you or someone else.

Please see the below signs:

1.Apathy. The lost of interest in activities that used to bring you joy.

2.Helplessness or hopelessness. Feeling as though there is nothing that you can do to improve your life.

3.Constantly fatigued. It’s normal to be tired at the end of a day’s work, but to be tired all the time could be due to depression.

4.Difficulty focusing or making decisions. People that find it difficult to make decisions because of feeling that whatever they do is

wrong.

5.Mood swings. If you are easily irritated or extremely impatient or experience frequent mood swings, this could be a sign of

depression or anxiety.

6.Unending worry. Anticipating every possible problem and focusing on it rather than looking at something good.

7.Wanting to be alone. If you enjoy solitude because you like the time to read or meditate, that okay. But wanting to be alone

because you feel that it takes too much energy to interact with others is a sign of depression.

If you are experiencing one of those symptoms doesn’t mean that you are suffering from anxiety or depression. But if you are too

caught up in one feeling or another, having less pleasure in life or having trouble doing what you need to do, then certainly get help.

Harvard Health Publishing/ Mind & Mood