Christmas is meant to be a time to spend with family and friends, but, with the Omicron Covid-19 variant rapidly spreading across the Island, some people may have to isolate themselves during the festive period. Some people are facing the mental health problem in this situation.
Current CDC recommendations state that if your Covid test result is positive, you should isolate yourself immediately.
But whether you isolate yourself by choice or necessity, you need to be prepared for the possible toll this could have on your mental health. According to a report released by the Office for National Statistics in May of this year, one in five adults (21 percent) experienced some form of depression during the partially closed months of January through March 2021. https://thejungleboys.net/ is working to reduce the stress and depression of the adults by providing the services on their door step. The products of the jungle boys are very useful for the mental relaxation.
This number increased from 19 percent in November 2020 and has doubled since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when 10 percent of adults reported experiencing a form of depression.
Connecting with others is a crucial factor for emotional well-being. Self-isolation, unfortunately, has the opposite effect of the warm feelings we can get from connecting with others. In that case, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world.
This means that our negative thought patterns could open up space in our minds, often leading us to feel worse. With self-isolation, an element of control is removed, which could lead to feelings of helplessness. Because of this, it is understandable that it could have such a negative impact on a person’s well-being.
If you need to isolate yourself this Christmas and be away from your family, our experts suggest looking for other ways to celebrate the occasion, for example:
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Isolation at Christmas
Some people find themselves alone at Christmas. This may be due to a marital breakdown or family estrangement. The emphasis on family, friends, and good times shared during the ‘holiday season’ can make people who are isolated feel depressed and unloved. Suggestions include:
- If you are separated by distance (since you are residing outside the country), keep in touch with your loved ones by phone, video chat, postal mail or email.
- Doing Christmas shopping for your loved ones can help you feel more connected to them, even if you are on the other side of the world.
- Make plans for Christmas Day. If you don’t have anyone to share that day with, consider volunteering with non-profit organizations / companies.
- Host a “Christmas with friends.” Invite people who are in the same situation as you.
- Attend community celebrations, many of the town squares are filled with lights, music and activities during Christmas.
- Use the force of your feelings to change your situation. If you are estranged from your loved ones due to a past argument, you could try to reconcile with them (if possible), or take steps to expand your social network.
- Use rest as downtime to help you relax. They also suggest making video calls with friends and family and even video calling with them while they eat their Christmas meal so that you can participate as much as possible.
- Be compassionate to yourself. Try to take care of yourself in the same way that you would take care of someone you love who is in a similar situation. Ask yourself the question: what can I do to help myself? This can be a helpful tip in tough times.
- It’s okay to spend time “mourning” the loss of planned holidays. Make sure you take care of your mental health by avoiding comparing yourself to others. Try to acknowledge and allow yourself to have negative feelings, while also focusing on doing pleasant things that give you a feeling of joy and connection with others.
- Christmas can often exacerbate feelings of loneliness, as there is a narrative of connection and joy that goes with it until it comes to an end. There is also a sense of reflection that can be difficult for some. To combat this, our experts suggest writing a list of the positive experiences you have had this year, focusing on the moments of connection that you have felt with those you love the most.
- Make room for your loneliness. Be compassionate with yourself. This includes focusing on what you need to help you overcome difficult emotions. It can be easy for your mind to fool you during difficult times like these. You may start to believe that you are the only one who is going through a difficult time. Try to put this in context that your feelings are valid and that other people are struggling too. Remember, this feeling will pass too.
Take care of your Physical and mental health
Be mindful about your physical and mental health:
- Get enough sleep.
Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Stick close to your typical sleep-wake schedule, even if you’re staying at home. - Participate in regular physical activity.
Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find an activity that includes movement, such as dance or exercise apps. Get outside, such as a nature trail or your own backyard. - Eat healthy.
Choose a well-balanced diet. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. Limit caffeine as it can aggravate stress, anxiety and sleep problems. - Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
If you smoke tobacco or if you vape, you’re already at higher risk of lung disease. Because COVID-19 affects the lungs, your risk increases even more. Using alcohol to try to cope can make matters worse and reduce your coping skills. Avoid taking drugs to cope, unless your doctor prescribed medications for you. - Limit screen time.
Turn off electronic devices for some time each day, including 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Make a conscious effort to spend less time in front of a screen — television, tablet, computer and phone. - Relax and recharge.
Set aside time for yourself. Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing and help to settle your mind and reduce anxiety. Many people benefit from practices such as deep breathing, tai chi, yoga, mindfulness or meditation. Soak in a bubble bath, listen to music, or read or listen to a book — whatever helps you relax. Select a technique that works for you and practice it regularly.
