No one seems to be questioning the latest media articles that reflect the gradual expansion of the general consensus that our personal mental health has been negatively impacted by multiple COVID sources, from the virus itself to the isolation from imposed lockdowns. Whether changes are major or minor, have you identified how your personal mental health has changed during the past few years?

More importantly, how much data have you been able to compile about how to successfully deal with symptoms of COVID-related loneliness, stress, depression, or anxiety? Probably not very much, as we discovered in researching this matter. Rather than documenting that our mental health has indeed been impacted by COVID-19 in numerous ways, this month’s issue will focus attention on what has been published about what options are being offered to actually reverse the negative impacts on our mental health.

Issue: How has COVID impacted your mental health? What are you doing about it?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues and views knowledge as power. For those interested in this month’s issue, below we provide you sources of specific lifestyle recommendations from a number of sources most likely appropriate to consider for minor mental health issues. Be sure you keep researching until you find what will work for you. As always, a physician must be involved in selecting treatment for a major mental health situation.

Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic as a College Student
by Nicole Hadler
Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan
-Know that it is okay to feel how you are feeling
-Maintain a routine
-Practice good sleep hygiene
-Connect with others
-Take a break

Missouri university blames pandemic isolation for failing grades, mental health issues (6/1/22)
by Joe Mueller
Phelps County Focus.com
-Intensive one-on-one professor advising for students

COVID Depression and Anxiety (2/14/22)
by Tracy D Vannorsdall, PhD
Johns Hopkins Medicine
-Have a routine
-Take care of yourself
-Be careful with drugs and alcohol
-Get help: It’s easier than ever with mental health telemedicine

COVID-19 and your mental health (11/23/21)
Mayo Clinic
-Get enough sleep
-Participate in regular physical activity
-Eat healthy
-Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs
-Limit screen time
-Relax and recharge
-Keep your regular routine
-Limit exposure to news media
-Stay busy
-Focus on positive thoughts
-Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support
-Set priorities
-Make connections
-Do something for others
-Support a family member or friend

Dealing with Depression During Coronavirus (last updated October 2021)
by Lawrence Robinson and Melinda Smith, MA
HelpGuide
-Distract yourself
-Find simple sources of joy
-Limit your consumption of news
-Maintain a routine
-Express gratitude
-Move beyond small talk
-Share about yourself
-Nothing needs to get “fixed”
-Get moving
-Practice relaxation techniques
-Eat a mood-boosting diet
-Sleep well
-Use reminders to keep yourself on track

How to Avoid Depression During the Coronavirus Outbreak
by Robert Leahy, PhD
Health Matters
-Find the hope
-Keep a schedule
-Be productive with your free time
-Connect with others (even if not face-to-face)
-Reframe your perspective

Tips on depression management in lockdown: Coping with COVID-19 (last reviewed 5/11/20)
MedicalNewsToday
-Following a normal routine as much as possible
-Limiting time spent engaging with the news and social media
-Finding ways to be physically active
-Eating a healthful diet
-Trying to get enough sleep
-Avoiding alcohol and drugs
-Focusing on what you can control
-Maintaining social relationships

To review past ISSUES, visit the Special Updates Archives.