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blue
Home-based Strategies to
Prevent Feeling Blue
How individuals with mild depression could look after their mental health
in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.
By Niki Ashleya
Nur Batrisyia Bte Hazli, 17, a student who is clinically diagnosed with depression, finds her symptoms becoming more apparent during the pandemic.
She says, “Before COVID-19…I was able to [practise] healthy coping mechanisms such as going out of the house with no restrictions. But after [the] Circuit Breaker was implemented, all the restrictions were implemented almost immediately, and I didn’t adjust well to it. Being cooped up at home affected me because home is always the environment for me to revert to a manifestation of my depression.”
Batrisyia copes with depression in her own ways. She says, “I just try to occupy myself with things such as school work to take my mind off things.”
But experts say more can be done. These home-based strategies can be done during any period of time where you are cooped up at home for many weeks.
#1 Ensure physical wellness.
Dr Sam Roberts, a psychiatrist from Olive Branch claims it is crucial to remain physically active. He says, “Physical health plays a key role in keeping one mentally healthy and it improves one’s mood and reduces stress. Taking a small walk, doing home-based exercises etc. would help a lot.”
Relevant home-based examples include yoga, dancing and stretching exercises. There are many fitness courses you can follow via free online platforms such as YouTube and Zoom. Alternatively, you could create your own workout plan by gaining inspiration from suitable articles on Google, or learning from credible fitness gurus.
For example, an online article by Megan Falk on shape.com.sg states the “best at-home workouts for your goals” by providing links to YouTube videos, workout apps and more.
Moreover, GoTrainerSG’s Facebook page enables people to find a qualified personal trainer that teaches many types of workouts such as Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Yoga and Pilates.
However, physical activities do not necessarily have to be strenuous. Dr Roberts encourages doing something creative. He says, “Activities or hobbies can keep one distracted and have a positive impact on one’s sense of mental health and wellbeing. It also helps increase one’s confidence and self-esteem.”
#2 Adopt spiritual wellness habits.
Dr Roberts also encourages meditation. He says, “Taking a few minutes daily in doing mindfulness can help one feel better and reduce stress. It is not [difficult] to fit into one’s day and can be done for just [a] few minutes a day.”
Mr James Chong, a clinical director from The Lion Mind, shares similar views. He believes that it is important to “focus on the [positive] aspects of things rather than the negatives”, especially during COVID-19 period.
“Take this opportunity to reflect, know yourself better. We have been all [too] busy chasing things. Now that we are at home with the time, let’s find inner peace [within] ourselves first.” says Mr Chong.
According to Mr Chong, an interesting way to take care of your mental health at home would be to “take care of a plant”.
#3 Maintain social needs.
Experts say social needs should not be neglected even during a pandemic. Mr Chong encourages everyone to “surround yourself with genuine [and] positive people”.
Similarly, Dr Roberts emphasises that it is important to connect with others. He says, “Spending time with family or friends, meeting new people and getting involved in activities can make a difference to how one feels.” Such examples include giving them a call, sending a message or catching up with them.
“Knowing that there were others facing similar situations as me kept me going,” says Batrisyia.
1 June 2020
About the Author
Niki Ashleya
Niki is a meticulous writer who enjoys reading and sharing stories that she can relate to. She is always on the lookout for new music, stories and news.
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