How to Avoid Depression When You're in Self-Isolation Alone

01.06.2020 WELLNESS 0.0 0

mental health

Coronavirus is old news already, but it’s fair to say that the entire world is still struggling mentally to adapt to the current situation. Thousands of people still get sick every day and media outlets keep bombarding us with information about COVID-19, which makes it difficult even for the toughest individuals to digest everything and avoid feelings of depression and anxiety.

The problem is particularly acute for people who are completely isolated. US agencies and experts warn that a historic wave of mental-health problems is approaching: depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide.

It’s a very serious issue, but is there a way to avoid depression when you're in self-isolation alone? No one can really give you a one-size-fits-all solution, but I can share with you 12 tips on how to preserve your mental stamina during the quarantine.

Stick to the usual schedule

I don’t suggest pretending coronavirus isn’t there at all, but you should certainly try to keep the same daily rhythm and behave as usual. From getting up to doing your job, you should act normally and prevent COVID-19 from interfering with your everyday life. Of course, there’s always room for exceptions and you can save some time for little pleasures that you couldn’t afford before this whole mess.

Mind the basic hygiene

I know it’s easy to skip a few routine actions when you’re totally isolated, but basic hygiene has a miraculous effect on your mental endurance. Don’t fall into despair and act as if the world is going to end. On the contrary, you must stay fresh, take a shower, brush your teeth, wear clean clothes, and do all those little things that make people feel better about themselves.

Stay in touch with friends and family

The privilege of living in the 21^st century is that you can stay in touch with friends and family around the clock. You ought to seize the opportunity and talk to your loved ones: “Whenever you sense the urge to socialize or express your feelings, just give them a call and rest assured you are going to feel instant relief.”

Stop following news about COVID-19

According to research, US adults were eight times more likely to fit the criteria for serious mental illness in April 2020 than two years ago. COVID-19 is making a huge impact on our mental wellbeing, so I strongly encourage you to stop following news about the pandemic. Local regulations and crisis response are all you need to know, while everything else should be treated as irrelevant.

Open your shades and windows

This may seem too obvious, but it’s always a good idea to open your shades and windows. There’s nothing better than to let the sunshine in and allow it to occupy your apartment. The effect is not only psychological but also physical as the sun is the largest source of Vitamin D, the element which fends off depression and does a variety of other things for your body.

Go outside

Another thing you cannot forget is to go outside. Although you have to keep the social distance, you can move freely and stretch your legs every day. Use these periods to buy groceries as it will force you to establish short but precious social interactions.

Exercise

Speaking of going outside, it is necessary to mention the major effect exercise can have on your mental condition. Now that you have enough time for training, there’s no room for excuses. All it takes is to jog 30 or 45 minutes – it will keep your body in good shape while making you feel great about yourself. It’s not just my opinion, but rather a proven fact since regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.

Play some music

Similar to exercise, music can have an excellent impact on your mental well-being. The fact that you are totally isolated gives you the chance to relax and play some music. You can sing, play an instrument, or simply listen to your favorite tunes on YouTube.

Learn more Unlimited Reading. Unlimited Listening. Any Device.

Dedicate time to your hobby

The thing I really enjoyed about quarantine is that it gave me time to read a few books. It’s hard to call it a hobby, but I love reading some historical books or biographies. If you have a hobby, you should also spend some time doing it because you won’t get a better opportunity anytime soon.

Learn something new

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn, but didn’t have enough time to do it? If the answer is yes, then you should spend your days in quarantine learning something new. For instance, you can study a foreign language or take an online SEO course. Or maybe this is the right time for you to find an online job to learn some new skills. It will keep your mind of coronavirus and help you to improve personal skills at the same time.

Embrace the feeling of loneliness

If none of these tips really works, you should embrace the feeling of loneliness and isolation. Don’t feel too bad about it because you know that millions of other people are going through the same difficult period as well. You are not alone in this and the whole situation will not last forever.

Ask for help

The last tip is reserved for individuals who don’t have the strength or patience to deal with isolation and depression. Almost every country in the world has set up a helpline center, so you can call and consult with professional therapists. They will give you a whole range of useful recommendations and help you make it through the hard times much easier.

The Bottom Line

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, leaving all sorts of consequences on people’s behavior, everyday habits, and mental health in particular. If you are stuck at home alone, you should use every trick in the book to stay upbeat and positive about yourself.

We showed you 12 ways to fend off depression while quarantined, so do your best to follow our suggestions and keep your mental stamina intact.

Written by Leon Collier

About the Author

Leon Collier belongs to a team of professional essay writers from the UK, who loves to write about everything: pop-culture, history, travel, self-development, education, marketing. He offers professional writing services and assignment writing help. When not writing, you can find him behind a pile of books, he loves to delve in.