Managing mental health during a pandemic

By Erin Dougherty for the City of Overland Park

If you are in need of support, reach out to any of the following local resources:
  • Call 911 in an emergency
  • Overland Park Police Department Crisis Intervention Team 913-890-1CIT
  • Johnson County Mental Health 24-Hour Services: 913-268-0156
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24-Hour Services: 1-800-273-8255

The emotional stress, anxiety and loss experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic can take a mental and emotional toll on individuals and communities.

It can be difficult to cope with the fear and uncertainty, changing daily routines and isolation from family and friends.

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about and our community stronger.

While everyone responds to stressful situations in different ways, taking steps to care for yourself and support your loved ones can have a positive impact.

What are the signs of mental distress?

Some individuals may experience mental health difficulties for the first time during a pandemic, and those with existing mental health conditions may be particularly vulnerable to worsening symptoms.

While it’s not uncommon to experience fear and anxiety about the pandemic, it’s important to be mindful if mental distress starts to impact your daily life.

Common signs of mental distress include:

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty sleeping, resting or concentrating
  • Anger or irritability more than normal
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
  • Rumination and paranoia
  • Withdrawing from things you used to enjoy
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or others

Visit the Johnson County Mental Health website to better understand how the public health crisis affects our mental health. Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or those supporting someone in crisis are encouraged to call the Johnson County Mental Health Center’s 24/7 crisis line at 913-268-0156.

How to take care of yourself

  • Take breaks from the news, including social media. Give yourself time and space to focus elsewhere.
  • Take care of your body. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise. Get plenty of sleep. Learn more about options for staying healthy in Overland Park.
  • Make time to unwind. Engage in activities or hobbies you enjoy.
  • Give yourself permission to feel down. It’s okay if you’re not okay. 
  • Stay connected with friends and family by phone, videochat, text or email. Share your feelings with people you trust.
  • Seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional if necessary.

Johnson County Mental Health Center has received funds through the Coronavirus Relief Fund in order to provide support to members of the Johnson County community to increase access to mental health services. 

See if you qualify, or request funding to pay for counseling, medication, transportation or technology for behavioral health care. 

How to support your loved ones

Providing social support and helping others cope can make our community stronger and more connected.

Phone calls, video chats and check-ins with friends and family can help you and your loved ones feel socially connected and less isolated. 

Children

The emotional stress of the pandemic has been particularly tough for children.

It’s important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health plays an important role in physical health, school performance, behavior and long-term quality of life.

The National Association of School Psychologists recommends parents teach children positive preventive measures, talk with children about their fears and give them a sense of some control over their risk of infection to help reduce anxiety.

The Center for Disease Control has created recommendations to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.

Elderly loves ones

With COVID-19 disproportionately impacting older adults and those with pre-existing conditions, the pandemic is causing significant, additional stress for family caregivers.

If you are a family caretaker, John Hopkins Medicine recommends you keep yourself well, practice physical distancing but not social isolation, use technology to stay connected and help homebound older adults find projects or hobbies they can work on to stay busy and healthy.

Managing grief

Many are experiencing a tremendous amount of grief and loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grieving the loss of a loved one while coping with the fear and anxiety of the pandemic can be overwhelming.

Public health measures such as social distancing and limits on in-person gatherings have changed the way friends and family can gather and grieve.

If you know someone who has lost a loved one, it’s important to find ways to help them stay connected, create memories or rituals for lost loved ones and reach out to provide resources and support.

Arm yourself with skills

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. While taking care of your friends and family can keep you busy, remember to balance caretaking for others with caring for yourself.

A note from the editor:

Overland Park is working with community writers to bring you important news, information and stories regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about the City’s response to coronavirus.