In our current state of uncertainty concerning the continuous spread of COVID-19, it is no surprise that depression and anxiety are also on the rise. According to data reports, young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 are especially affected. From long periods spent in quarantine to adapting to new ways of doing routine tasks like grocery shopping or attending classes via Zoom, can lead to intense feelings of isolation, de-stabilization, panic, and lack of control. Not to mention constant information overload from news headlines, social media, and conversations with your loved ones, friends, or co-workers, all exacerbating fear and worry.
It is also important to note that this age group has been forced to let go of significant life events among those: walking with your peers at your high school or college graduation, not getting a “normal” college experience, or having to postpone celebrations like 21st birthdays, graduation parties, and even weddings. Many of these experiences we look forward to our whole lives and it is okay to be sad when they are taken away from us. I have peers who expressed feeling guilty for crying about not having their graduation ceremony this year when really, they “should” be grateful for their health and the health of their families. Sure, it is undeniably important to have gratitude in times like these, but it is just as important to process any losses, sit with your feelings, and seek out support.
Being in the aforementioned age group myself, I find myself in what seems like a never-ending battle toward regaining some semblance of balance in my daily life. There are days where I can accept the circumstances of my immediate surroundings and changes to routine, but I would be lying if I said that scary thoughts do not resurface. Or that I smoothly navigate through a near panic attack when overwhelmed by the number of people at my neighborhood grocery store, picking produce while standing next to me too close for comfort. Often, I would rather spend my days away at home but I find that although this form of safety and security helps alleviate my anxiety, my other good friend, depression, is ready for action (or lack thereof I should say).
So, what do we do? How do we navigate through these challenges that are inevitably impacting our mental health? We can start by practicing self-care, compassion, and forgiveness toward ourselves in ways that will be most meaningful to us. Whether that means getting out of bed even if it is just to make it to your couch or logging your thoughts in a journal, every little task counts! Remind yourself that you can do hard things and “this too shall pass,” whether we are referring to an intrusive thought, a low week, or the pandemic itself – you got this! Even if you feel like you do not, it’s okay to communicate these feelings with your loved ones and/or seek out professional support – for this exemplifies inner strength and the necessary steps toward regaining inner balance in our current unbalanced world.