Depression and social isolation is the topic of this post. Right now, I am in there with you. I am at home or in my office doing teletherapy alone.
Depression is normal for the weird times you are going through right now. Along with Depression there is fear of the unknown. The COVID 19 virus is very different than what we have ever experienced before. As a result, there is nothing "normal" about being stuck in the house or apartment alone.
It is easy to pretend this is not real or it cannot happen to you. We have to wake up and see what is real.
My first recommendation is to watch the news sparingly. It is important for us to know what is happening in the world but too much can drag you down a rabbit hole.
I believe in structuring a day so that you wont't get so depressed that you can feel non functional. Get up at a regular time and go to bed at a regular time.
Exercise, exercise, exercise since it helps release endorphins in your brain that make you feel less depressed. Eat regular meals at regular times. Do not take naps since they can interfere with sleep at night.
Stay groomed. Shower or bathe every day. Those of you who are home with children have to structure their days. I am recommending and hour of chores in the morning and an hour or more of schoolwork in the morning. I recommend the same for the afternoon. Schoolwork followed by an hour of chores. This is how children can develop positive self esteem.
You are not alone in this, it just feels that way. Spend some time on the phone talking to friends or to loved ones about what you will do in the future together because it really will happen. Yes, you will be able to get together with friends, just not now.
Sunlight helps with depression so going outside in the backyard is fine in sunny weather. Make sure you are taking happy vitamins such as B12 and B6. Take things to boost your immune systems such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D3. No more than 2-4 thousand units of Vitamin D3.
Online therapy is absolutely fantastic. I am using Doxy.Me, Zoom, Face Time and the regular phone. It actually works. For some reason the screen or the phone lets people say what they might not say in a face-to-face session in my office. So I am thinking that Teletherapy is a great thing right now.
If you need a consult or a session for depression or anxiety, call me at 277-1366 or text me at (334)223-4917. I am very available since I am self isolating like you are. Frankly, I am always here. So stay inside and be well. I would love to help if you need me. We are going to make it just fine with some adjustments.