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Mental Health and the Pandemic

It’s been said before but I’ll say it again, this year has been tough. Job loss, financial ruin, death of loved ones, political divide, isolation, all of these things are a lot for us to process. On top of it being a lot to process, these experiences often result in poor mental health. Since the beginning of the pandemic here in Canada, 50% of Canadians reported worsening mental health. Substance abuse has also been on the rise with 25% of Canadians aged 35-54 reporting an increase in alcohol consumption, and 21% of those aged 18-34.¹ This isn’t a huge surprise when you look at the historical effects other viruses (such as SARS in Hong Kong) and crises (ex: the 2008 global financial crisis) have had on our wellbeing. Both of those examples caused a surge in mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Throughout my few months of working from home, and even since being back in the office, I’ve been prioritizing walking every day. It started with 2km each day, and by the time Autumn rolled around I was up to about 5km a day. However, all that changed when the dreaded Daylight Savings Time ended. Suddenly I found myself coming home from work, making dinner (if it was an alright day), and spending my evening in bed. The house was slowly becoming a mess and more takeout was being ordered. The change of Daylight Savings on my life was like someone flipped a switch, and I know I’m not the only one who felt it.

As we near closer and closer to winter, my anxiety starts to rise about how I’m going to make it through the dark and cold months. Loneliness has been at an all-time high this year. Add dark, cold, short days into the mix, plus Christmas with minimal communal celebration...and we’re at risk of being affected more than ever before. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are some things you can do to cope with loneliness and skip the Winter Blues this Christmas...

Find Something to Look Forward To
This is my Go-To for keeping my spirits up. Pre-Covid, this would be seeing all of my extended family together at Christmas, but with that not happening this year I have to find something else to look forward to. My husband and I decided that this will be the year we’ll start our own traditions. We’re in that awkward stage of celebrating Christmas as just two people with no kids. I’m looking forward to decorating together, baking cookies, watching holiday movies, and opening up gifts just the two of us on Christmas morning. I’m also “planning” (lol notice the quotations!) to write Christmas cards this year which will also help distant friends and family feel less alone.

Combat Loneliness with Light
If loneliness is something you’re struggling with, look outward. See if there are volunteer opportunities in your community. God says in Isaiah 58:10 “If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” He is telling us to rise above being drawn into ourselves, and shine our light outwards.

Do Something You Love
One of the best ways to truly enjoy your time is by spending it doing something you love. Whether that’s baking, knitting, reading, or in my case Sudoku puzzles, discover things that bring you joy and take some time each day to do it. There’s nothing wrong with a good distraction!

If these 3 suggestions still feel like a challenge to you right now, an easier place to start could simply be turning to scripture and speaking to God. The Bible is full of hope and reminders of God’s goodness.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

It’s perfectly OK if all you did today was survive. You are loved, and you are not alone.

By Ashlyn Stanley
Promotions / Announcer

¹The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

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