By Melissa Farrell, MS

Western New York posted record breaking numbers in early January with the Erie County Department of Health advising of 3,731 new COVID-19 cases for January 6, and 18,333 total cases in the first week of the new year. Recent emphasis has been on the best types of masks to wear, how to avert infection, and COVID testing.

At Spectrum Health, our counselors can tell you about another rising number related to the pandemic — the overwhelming number of people seeking mental health counseling in response to the stressors created by the pandemic.

Mental wellness is every bit as important as our physical well being. However, managing it is a little harder to achieve after two years of social isolation, loss of normalcy, cancellation of major event milestones such as proms, graduations, and weddings, or the death of loved ones. These losses, combined with the inability to access natural support systems, and terror related to the uncertain future, weighs heavily on our psyche. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression rates and substance use has risen significantly.

Caring for our mental health is not as easy as wearing a mask. However, being intentional in setting a plan to stay well emotionally can help. Here are some tips:

  • Write it down. The practice of writing down a plan of self-care sets intention, helping to bring focus to your life and keep you on track. Carve out some time to plan for self-care activities for your emotional health.
  • Tell a friend. Ask someone else to go on this journey with you. Having a friend or partner join you in developing a plan can help support you when your mood darkens or have difficulty in taking better care of yourself.
  • Plan for disappointment. With the current pandemic surge, it is likely that large events will be cancelled. Help prepare yourself for this by having a plan. Identify someone you can talk things out with. Accept that emotion and disappointment is temporary, and will pass.
  • Discover personal mantras. The practice of repeating a positive mantra helps combat negative thoughts that feed unhealthy emotions. These do not need to be religious. They only need to speak to you and promote mindfulness in response to your emotions.

The crisis created by COVID-19 will pass, but the consequences of not caring for your emotional well being could have a life-long impact. Focusing on continued selfcare helps with weathering the storm. However, if you find that you are struggling with depression or other behavioral health concerns, it is important to seek professional help and counseling. Spectrum Health and Human Services is here to help.
Melissa Farrell, MS is Vice President, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic at Spectrum Health and Human Services.