Know How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic

Bhubaneswar: With World Mental Health Day being celebrated across the globe on October 10, experts have suggested some simple ways to take care of your mental health during this ongoing pandemic.

Social distancing and other preventive measures can increase stress and anxiety in people, thereby affecting mental health.

Dr. Charan Teja Koganti, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at KIMS Hospitals, Kondapur, has suggested some simple methods to keep stress at bay.

The de-stressing methods are as follows:

1. Relax your body often by doing things that work for you like take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, wash your face and hands, or engage in pleasurable hobbies.
2. Eat healthy foods, and drink lots of water, avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
3. Limit the consumption of news, as the more you read or watch news about the pandemic, the more you will feel stressed.
4. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and stay connected with your family.
5. Avoid talking about the virus with people, especially those who tend to be negative.
6. If you do not find solace among people, there is nothing wrong in seeking technological help.

Around one billion people are living with mental health problems and while three million die every year from harmful use of alcohol, one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide.