staying healthy alone

Staying healthy during isolation.
 
Need Help? If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
This article is not a substitute for healthcare treatment.
 
Facts: The CDC reported that 1.4 million suicide attempts were reported in 2017 in the U.S.  An average of 129 Americans are confirmed deaths by suicide daily. (https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1582813931-usfactsfiguresflyer.pdf)

Questions: Do we as a culture remain committed to the idea that life matters?  Is each human soul valuable?

I would submit that yes, every human life matters.

Facts: We also know from research that chronic illness, use of alcohol or recreational drugs, and isolation can be some of the contributing factors to depression, anxiety, and suicide.  (https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm)
 
If we can agree on these ideas, then we have an important conversation we need to have in the time of COVID-19 lock downs.
Yes, stay home as much as you can and stay back.  We will be having serious conversations about such things as work-from-home, hugs between friends, and even shaking hands once this eases up.  Ignoring infection risk is unwise.

But, how long can we stay on heavy lock downs without creating a new crisis in mental health?

• In 2017 suicide was the 4th leading cause of death among those 35-54 years old. 
• In 2017 the average national death rate was 14 per 100,000 in the U.S.

We do know that the virus is important to be aware of and yet we also know that anxiety, which was already at an all-time high in the U.S., is increasing.  Mental health professionals and family physicians are reporting alike are reporting this. 

At a recent news conference in Nashville, Former Congressman Patrick J Kennedy, calls at suicide hotlines have increased by 800 percent (https://www.wsmv.com/news/davidson_county/mental-health-issues-domestic-violence-on-the-rise-during-covid-19-crisis/article_893efd1e-7e6b-11ea-8c73-a3dfb4cae78f.html). 

800%
The hard numbers will come later but credible anecdotal evidence is increasing. 

How do we help ourselves and one another in this time?
Normally, therapists would recommend exercise, doing something different, getting out with a friend or two for clients who are depressed or anxious. 

Nope.  Not now.
 
So, what can we do?
Here are some ideas for you:

• Limit media to an hour per day.  This includes local news, national news, talk shows, and social media.
• Get moving.  Even if you aren’t “into” going to the gym (where no one can go right now anyway) you can go up and down stairs, take walks with family members, march in the house, stretch, lift cans of vegetables and the like.  Start with 5 minutes then try to increase it unless your physician advises against this.
• Drink plenty of water.  That’s generally 2 liters or ½ gallon (8x 8 oz) per day. (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-water-should-you-drink-per-day#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2)
• Eat a varied diet with colorful vegetables and fruits you can access (5-9 servings are recommended by the USDA).  Yes, fresh is best but frozen and canned also work when you can’t get fresh ones.
• Revive the art of the telephone call.  Even those who tend to be introverted need social interaction.  Call one person in your family or friend group per day and have a real conversation.  A few minutes will help both of you.
  

Finally, pay attention to your emotions.  Notice them.  Name them.  Talk about them with a family member, friend or write them out on paper.  If we ignore them, they can hijack us later.

If you need help, contact a therapist or your family doctor.
If a friend or family member is struggling help them connect with a professional.
 
Mental Health Information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/
Suicide Statistics by State: https://afsp.org/state-fact-sheets