How should you take care of yourself during Quarantine or Isolation?
While you are isolated or in quarantine, you may start to feel a drain on your mental health and physical health. Without social interactions as we are social creatures, you can feel very stressed, lonely, angry, or even depressed.
There are many things you can do to help you through these times. With this new found time, you can pick up a new hobby, get to tasks that you've always planned on doing but never had the time, and maintain social interactions while respecting quarantine or isolation.
You can start cooking, reading new books, doing some creative writing, painting or start yoga. As long as you find something that brings you joy, it will be helpful. You can also still maintain social interactions using one the many tools available to you. There are text based messaging applications, video based ones, and through these you can interact with friends and family almost like you would normally, by playing games, or having a simple conversation. It is important to maintain our social ties as we are social beings so reach out to friends and family to make sure that they are going through this time as well too.
While it is very important to take care of your mental health, your physical health is just as important. It is no good for you to stay in your bed or on your couch for hours, move around the house, or start a physical exercise routine that doesn't need the use of gym equipment if you don't own one. Just be sure to consult your doctor or one of our doctors at Rapid Access before starting a new physical routine to make sure it's right for you.
Hopefully with these new times, you take care of your physical and mental health. This is a communal effort by every single person. We will make it through this together. If you do need any help with your mental health, it is important to seek professional help. Whether you are stressed, feeling depressed or just worried about your mental health, we have trained psychiatrists and stress counselling.
At Rapid Access, we have psychiatrists available to help you with your mental health should you need to see one. To see a psychiatrist at Rapid Access (Covered by OHIP), it is fast as we strive to provide you the best health care. Speak to one of your doctors today and they may refer you to see the psychiatrist and an appointment will be given usually within a week.
Mental Health
During a pandemic, times are stressful, there is often fear and anxiety and lots of unknown or conflicting information. This can be overwhelming and induce strong emotions. Furthermore with the social distancing, isolation and quarantine, we can feel more alone than ever.
Some tips for coping with quarantine is to:
- be informed on what to do should you become sick, or are concerned about COVID-19. You can contact our clinic any day to speak to a COVID expert and get expertise knowledge and advice.
- Take breaks from news stories, media. With these times, there may be a lot of overwhelming stories that can create a feeling of hopelessness. Hearing the same bad news or worsening news can make it difficult. Take time away and focus on yourself.
- Take care of your body through meditation, eating well balanced healthy meals, exercise, sleep enough and avoid alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
- Connect with others and if unable to meet in person, use technological connection such as social media, a phone call, video call or more.
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
During these times, it is natural to feel vulnerable and afraid, however if you are struggling with alcohol use, it is best to understand the increased burden you may face. With the pandemic, you may face anxiety, loneliness, or restricted access to alcohol which can lead to a larger alcohol abuse. It is important to monitor yourself and remain healthy, and always contact a healthcare provider should you have any concerns regarding your health. Our experts are available daily.
Employment Change or Loss and the Economy
With the ongoing pandemic, many disruptions to work and business have occurred. Many have been laid off or are out of work due to closures, and as a result have faced increased burden emotionally and physically due to the circumstances. Contact us for any concerns you may have due to stress, health or even about job opportunities.
