During these unprecedented troubled times, all we hear is “the new norm” and living life has a whole new meaning. We are in a strange time and place in our lives; staying indoors for most of the day, not being able to meet with friends or family. All our norms and routines have been disrupted by the COVID-19 lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. And for the majority, we don’t even get to see our co-workers. Some of us that are fortunate are working from home. We are only going out for the essentials and even when going grocery shopping we must be a stranger to everyone for fear of the person next to us being infected. The stress and fear of the unknown that has been brought on us affects everyone differently. Some of us with mental health issues have been left to our own devices. Being a past drug abuser and with mental health issues, being left to our own devices is a territory we never want to be in. Being in self-isolation takes a toll on one’s mental health and well-being. We are so used to going to our therapist or stopping by to speak to a loved one to ease our anxiety and/or depression. Now it has become more difficult to do so. For those with past drug addiction problems that also struggle with mental health disorders, we’ve always relied on our sober network for support and guidance. 
Positive Steps for Our Mental Health During Coronavirus
Although and thankfully we have learned healthy ways to cope with such stress through our therapy sessions. But most of us might have a fear of getting mentally unstable and a feeling of despair, which can get very dangerous. Here are a few pointers that could help you survive spiraling negative thoughts about this uncertain time. 1.) Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on my home and myself” – This stay at home order may feel like a prison sentence but it can be a time to focus on yourself. Set aside some attainable goals and try to accomplish at least one daily. 2.) Stay close to your normal routine – Try to stick to your regular daily routine. Get up at the same time and if you are a gym-goer, do some home workouts at the same time as if you were at the gym. Eat your meals at the same time. It will be easier to adjust when the quarantine is over if your schedule doesn’t change much which will be easier on you mentally. While some aspects of your routine will be disrupted no matter how hard you try, staying as close to it as possible is helpful. 3.) Avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus coverage – All this free time at home gives us plenty of time to obsess and obsessing isn’t good for our mental health. Try to only watch a few times a day if you need to see updates and do not get caught up with the social media coverage. 4.) A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind – A messy house can lead to anxiety so try to keep it tidy. Pick up as you go along and don’t eat in your bedroom or any other rooms you normally wouldn’t eat in. 5.) Start a new quarantine ritual – With this new chunk of time you have, you could start something new. Maybe make it a routine to wake up and journal your thoughts or have your morning cup of coffee on the patio. Schedule a Facetime your sister or another family member or friend. Having something to look forward to each day can go along way. 6.) Use telehealth as an option to talk to a professional if your anxiety becomes unmanageable– We all had our scheduled appointment with our therapists but now we are unable to visit them when we feel the least bit of uneasiness. Many licensed psychologists are offering telehealth options over HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. Don’t forget to reach out for help when you feel overwhelmed.
Drug & Alcohol Treatment During COVID-19
We are here for you at Evoke Wellness at Miramar. Evoke Wellness at Miramar is committed to our community throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. We are taking all precautions to make sure our facilities are equipped to continue caring for those in need of addiction treatment. Please stay safe/
