Warning signs for symptoms of a depressive episode in enforced social isolation : feeling fatigued, demotivated, sleeping too much or too little, low mood, foggy memory, feeling lonely, having thoughts about feeling unloved/unwanted, difficulty maintaining hygiene.
Things you can do: Prepare for this, just like you would for any other health risk. Make a list of coping strategies that work and keep it handy, encorporate a routine to your day as much as possible - consistency helps (contd)..
... make it a priority to check in with your mood, appetite, sleep at the beginning and end of every day - make a note in a journal if it helps to keep track. Let your social support system know so you can reach out to them if need be & they can check in too. (Contd)...
.... if you have been seeking therapy and it’s offline, ask your therapist if it can be moved online or over a phone call. It could take a while to adjust but the checkins and consistency with therapy can be beneficial in managing mental health concerns. (Contd)....
..spend some time at the balcony or at your window when it’s daylight. If this is the best that can be done to get outside the confines of 4 walls for a few minutes,include it intentionally in your day. Also,keep enough stock of your medication so you never run out. You got this!
