The Coronavirus has affected all our lives, it has also had an overwhelming effect on our mental health. Even those who consider themselves resilient, have felt overwhelmed at times.

The stats on mental health issues in an earlier blog show that we are in fact neglecting mental health. There is an estimated 18.1% (or 43.6 million) adults in the United States deal with issues pertaining to mental health. Around 4.2% (9.8 million) adults in the US have a mental health condition that is severe and debilitating, with neuropsychiatric disorders being the leading cause of disability in America. (Source: https://www.mentalhealthhotline.org)

These figures are alarming, and they aren't as a result of the pandemic, which means we should all be working on our mental health. Without 'good mental health' there is no 'good physical health.'

Corona-coaster

The phrase “Corona-coaster” has been coined to describe the rollercoaster of the highs and lows that came with the lockdown. (Source: https://www.tes.com) Given the US stats, it is clear that the world is failing to address our mental health. It is also clear we should be doing more to support our emotions, and to support our mental health.

Anxiety is difficult to put a lid on and unlike the flu, it's not something you just snap out of. It takes finding an acceptance on the issues you may struggle with. Not all issues are familiar and known. But it is important not to neglect mental health. Not caring what others think is the first step to freeing yourself of the ties that interfere with mental health.

Mental Illness

While mental illness might be in your brain, it affects the whole body. It is because mental illness isn’t as concrete as a physical illness that it’s not always taken seriously. It's a disease that needs to be treated as seriously as a physical disease, such as heart disease or cancer.

Prepping up on Mental Health

Mental health is something we should continue to prep up on. It is usually secondary to physical health. Instead of looking to understand people's mental health, we may stereotype those people, as being distant and aloof.

Anxiety

Anxiety may be overlooked as a personality issue, but it is important to be aware, to understand just how your mental health presents. If left mental health can get worse.

When it comes to mental health, it has to come down to the individual to take the initiative, to have a conversation with themselves on mental health and what that looks like for them.

If you're interested in dealing with your mental health, you can grab copies of my first two books, Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' or Spirituality, Healing and Me,' from Amazon, and through the following link https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle