If you’ve been feeling increases in depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts during this pandemic, you’re not alone. We recently conducted a survey of Stability Leaders to determine how COVID-19 is impacting them. Here’s what we found from 45 respondents from across the U.S.
Not surprisingly, 60 percent recorded an increase in mental health challenges like anxiety or depression. Many cited feelings of increased loneliness or isolation, a lack of control that feeds anxiety, and the stress of job or income insecurity and parenting out-of-school children.
But, along with increased challenges, many Leaders are successfully managing mental health during COVID. From medication to therapy and meeting with support groups, Leaders are relying on their tried-and-true mental health treatment plans and adjusting as needed to stay healthy.
Leaders are also adjusting their personal and social habits. Seventy-eight percent are relying on increased connection with loved ones to get them through. They’re scheduling calls with family, meeting for virtual get-togethers, and forming communities around personal interests. Other helpful personal strategies are self-care and self-compassion, exercise, finding creative outlets, and getting out into nature.
As Leader Geralyn Giorgio says, “There is hope. You just have to find some strategies that are right for you. […] Reach out and talk to other people who you trust—family, friends, work colleagues, and others to get the support you need.”
For more on Leaders’ strategies for staying well, check out this blog post. For personal stories from Leaders about how they’re managing, check out the COVID-19 resources page.
Remember, you’re not alone during this pandemic. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HOME to 741741.