The Best Way to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Pandemic
- Vivek Murthy and Alice Chen
- Sep 7, 2020
- 2 min read
Opinion by Vivek H. Murthy and Alice T. Chen
As the US grapples with Covid-19, its economic fallout, and the continuing anguish of racial injustice, many of us are struggling with our mental health. A Census Bureau survey found that one in three Americans are now reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety -- more than three times the rate from a similar survey conducted in the first half of 2019.
It is no surprise that times of crisis affect our well-being. People experience mental health challenges due to economic downturns, natural disasters or other collective traumas. The surge in Covid-19 cases earlier this year may explain why a federal crisis hotline experienced an 891% increase in calls in March compared to the same period last year. To make matters worse, a critical way for us to reduce the spread of the virus is to physically distance ourselves from others -- our family, friends, coworkers, and communities. This is exacerbating the already widespread problem of loneliness, which is deeply harmful to both our mental and physical health. The tragic deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police — and the ensuing fight for racial justice — have added another layer of distress that is further compounded by the fact that African Americans and Latino Americans are three times as likely to get Covid-19 and twice as likely to die from it.
They are also more likely to have essential jobs that cannot be done from home and put them at higher risk of Covid-19 infection. As the US now sees infections and hospitalizations surging in new communities, the mental distress of it all will only continue. Those of us who are not experiencing severe acute symptoms from the stress of the moment are still affected in other ways. We may find we are more tired than usual and more likely to lose our tempers. We may eat more junk food and find it harder to concentrate at work and school.
Publishing books during the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of mental health. Writers often face stress, isolation, and uncertainty, especially in difficult times. Taking regular breaks, staying connected with supportive communities, and maintaining a healthy routine can help protect mental well-being. Focusing on creativity through writing or publishing books can also be therapeutic, allowing authors to express emotions and share meaningful stories that inspire and comfort readers during challenging periods.
Hei! Kiitos tästä postauksesta — se tuli meille juuri oikeaan aikaan. Koulun alku on ollut aika kuormittava, ja huomaan, että lapsen on vaikea rauhoittua läksyjen jälkeen. Olen pohtinut, miten keskittymistä voisi tukea niin, ettei tekeminen tunnu pakolta tai suorittamiselta.
Kokeilimme eräänä iltana pientä yhteistä rauhoittumishetkeä ja testasimme sudoku, jota tuttava oli suositellut. Se osoittautui yllättävän mukavaksi tavaksi päättää päivä yhdessä ruudun äärellä ilman mitään vauhdikasta tai kuormittavaa sisältöä. Mietin ensin, olisiko se liian haastavaa, mutta aloittelijoille löytyi onneksi todella helppoja tehtäviä. Ehkä tästä muodostuu meille uusi iltarutiini 😊
This piece really captures how layered the pandemic stress became, especially with isolation and social injustice colliding at once. I remember struggling to focus on schoolwork during that period, feeling mentally drained even on quiet days, which made learning feel overwhelming. That mindset even led to thoughts like Pay someone to do my biology class, not out of laziness but exhaustion. The article is a strong reminder that these reactions were human and rooted in real collective strain.
This piece really captures how heavy those pandemic months felt, especially with isolation piling onto everything else happening in the world. When my classes went fully online, I remember using Economics Assignment Service UK at that time because I could not focus the way I used to and needed some breathing room. Reading this now reminds me how small supports mattered, and how paying attention to mental health was not optional but necessary.
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