Quarantine has exposed many elements of the human experience. Introverts seem to bounce back quicker than extroverts. Anxiety, loneliness, and learned helplessness seemed to be common responses to the current social landscape. However, one mental health experience that has been exacerbated is the experience of depression.
According to current statistics, almost 50% of Americans are experiencing depression at an alarming rate. This is quite a large estimate in light of our current circumstances. For us to understand these implications, we have to be clear on what depression is.
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech (actions observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Clinical depression is a neurochemical abnormality that wreaks havoc all over the body and can ultimately attack your immune system. For many, they express a feeling of emptiness, powerlessness, and a sense of loss of meaning with their environment. In short, they give up.
This feeling seems to be prevalent for many. However, it’s crucial to note that there is a difference between experiencing depressive systems, and or having a chemical-based expression of depression were using outside intervention (i.e. medicine, CBT, and other related strategies). For many experiencing depressive systems as a reaction to the lockdown, this would not necessarily qualify as having clinical depression. Nonetheless, whatever your experience, you should seek out help and actively find ways to take control of your emotional reactivity. It is possible. There is a way out. This quarantine will not last forever. It’s key to remember this and find practical methods to help you deal with the after-effects of isolation.
If you are in this state now, we urge you to seek relevant help. In light of the current quarantine restrictions, we offer Tele-counseling services. Get in touch today– we would love to hear from you!