The Effects of Quarantine on Mental Health

     I have struggled with my mental health for years. The pandemic has definitely negatively affected my mental health due to social isolation and the lack of information surrounding the virus. I am going on week 3 out of 4 of social isolation because as soon as I got out of quarantine, I was contact traced again. I have been trying to keep myself busy with homework, runs and yoga in the park, reading, and watching my favorite movies. However, not being able to continue with my usual routine of seeing friends, going to the gym, and being outside for most of the day has been a very difficult adjustment. Because I can relate so closely to this topic I decided to do a little research. 

    According to Coronavirus: How Does Quarantine Affect Your Mental Health? quarantine has an impact on three important elements of mental health; emotional well being, psychological well being, and social well being. It can even lead to several health risks such as depressive symptoms, impaired cognitive function, poor sleep, poor heart health and low immunity. The article claims that these symptoms are mostly triggered by longer quarantine, inadequate information, inadequate supplies, boredom, infection fears and financial loss. The article also gave some suggestions to help cope during this time. This included staying active throughout the day, keeping a well balanced diet, communicate with friends and family when feeling lonely, avoid alcohol and other drugs that can worsen your mental health, and trying to maintain a schedule among others. 

    I will be trying a few of these coping strategies to see if they are beneficial. I know that everyone is struggling during this time, but those with preexisting mental health problems need to be taking extra good care of themselves! I also think that using social media to express how we are being affected will help others see that they are not alone during this time, and even though there is no end in sight, it will not last forever!