This week new restrictions were placed on Maryland to promote a “stay-at-home for the holidays’ theme” as we’re near entering the 10th month of living through a global pandemic. Marylanders, along with many other Americans, are still grunting over the idea of needing to quarantine to slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

While we deal with living in a state of constant uncertainty, like not knowing when the next time we’ll be able to visit the neighborhood grocery store, we’re also finding it necessary to seek ways of coping with living our newly socially distanced lifestyles. Protecting our mental health during the era of coronavirus is what many of us have had on our minds since early March 2020. But how do we know where to begin to handle this? 

Former RT America news anchor and Baltimore Native Ashlee Banks sits down with Medical and Health Expert Brandon Johnson of Black Mental Wellness Lounge via her personal YouTube channel. The two discuss how to handle mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. They share tips on the best ways to handle isolation, depression, unplugging from social media and so much more. I’m sharing this as a YouTube Video Alert for Doc’s Castle Media because it’s my concern that everyone is doing their best to remain sane during these unprecedented times. So I listed a few important takeaways from Ashlee and Brandon’s interview to pay attention to while you watch it.

4 Best Takeaways: Mental Health Help, Tips During Covid-19

Prioritize resting and take a break. 

Free yourself from burnout. Understand that everyone is going through changes during this time and it is okay to not have everything in order. So take your time. Drink some tea and exhale the doubt that you mustn’t keep up. You’ll be fine if the train stops for an oil and engine break.

Take a social media break for mental health. 

Unplug from social media to avoid depression. It can fool you into thinking you’re at your worse compared to everyone you’re following. People put their best foot forward online and rarely publish their mistakes. No one should compare themselves to anyone because we’re not meant to be the same. So save yourself the stress of mentally attempting to make yourself a carbon copy of your online friend.

Remember you are not alone dealing with the trials of a Pandemic. 

We’re all grieving a special kind of depression that has a grip on everyone in this world. There’s solace in knowing that you aren’t alone dealing with the effects of a global pandemic. Be patient with yourselves and give yourself the grace to process what’s happening. As you’re being considerate and kind to others about what’s happening, also show yourself that same kindness.

Practice positive affirmations, self-care exercises, and mindful meditation. 

Spend time getting to know yourself and the things that you enjoy. This goes back to unplugging from social media. When you unplug, you free yourself from feeling like you’re missing things that other people that you’re following online may be getting into. We’re in a pandemic. Free your time and mind for what truly matters to you and the things that you place value. Do this and you’ll walk away better fulfilled.

Watch the full interview How to Protect Your Mental Health with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson:

http://youtu.be/D39jVtdu9XQ

If you’re in need of speaking to a specialist via a mental health crisis hotline, please call the National Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-8255.