Year: 2020

Promoting Family’s Mental Health During The Pandemic

At this time of the pandemic, it is vital to remain as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally.

Staying healthy as a family is rewarding because it can help you avoid unnecessary vulnerability to diseases and unexpected medical expenses. Additionally, participating in marriage counseling can strengthen your relationships and improve communication, which is particularly important during these challenging times. While maintaining physical health is necessary, having a good state of mind within the family is essential to a holistic approach to overall health, especially considering the impact of the pandemic on family’s mental health.

Parents, As The Primary Decision-Makers In The Family, Play A Crucial Role During The Pandemic.

According to research, their parental responsibilities have now become more taxing due to dealing with the new work arrangements and tight health conditions protocols in essential establishments such as the grocery store and the bank. It is important for family members to respect their health and overall well-being and prioritize their own mental health while also supporting their friends and family members who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Exploring Mental Health With Family

Learning about mental health problems together as a family can be a fulfilling and enlightening experience. It provides support and an opportunity for family members to understand and help each other better for their mental health as each others’ caregivers. By exploring the mental health of each family member, you can gain insights into family member’s mental health needs and promote open conversations about emotions and mental health.

There are numerous credible and reputable sources available online that provide free information about mental health. It is important to check the reliability of the mental health sources to ensure factual knowledge.

For more in-depth discussions about mental health, setting an appointment with a psychologist, therapy resources, mental health professional or a psychiatrist care can be beneficial for the entire family.

Ways To Cope With Stress

The pandemic has caused significant stress and has had a dramatic impact on the psychological well-being of many individuals.

Job losses, business and school closures, and the general uncertainty can lead to heightened anxiety, substance use, and other mental health problems (anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.) for both adults and children within the family. Therefore, finding effective ways to cope with stress is crucial for each person.

Children should be provided with activities that stimulate their minds and bodies, as they may feel bored and anxious due to the lack of understanding about the mental illness situation. It is important to explain the pandemic to children in an age-appropriate manner to alleviate their concerned thoughts. Minimizing screen time and encouraging physical activities such as arts, crafts, reading, exercising, and gardening can contribute to their overall mental health. Paying attention to child mental health is vital, as they can be significantly affected by the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Parents also need to have a way of coping. Parents, too, need to prioritize their own mental well-being, especially at their age. Finding time to engage in activities that relax the mind, such as spending quality time with the family, cooking, working out, and pursuing hobbies, can help reduce stress. Engaging in activities together as a family not only promotes productivity but also fosters support among family members.

Prevent Unhealthy Habits

As people spend more time at home during the pandemic and maintaining a strong marriage gets harder, it becomes crucial to find new hobbies and pastimes that promote productivity and well-being. For example, hobbies can be knitting or camping. However, it is important to ensure that these activities are healthy and do not contribute to additional stress or psychological strain.

For children, it is necessary to control and set limits on their screen time and exposure to digital media. Instilling discipline in children helps prevent them from becoming too consumed by gadgets and neglecting their responsibilities. Setting boundaries and schedules can teach them the value of time and prevent excessive engagement in activities that may lead to addiction.

Adults, just like young adults, are susceptible to developing detrimental habits as a coping mechanism during the pandemic. Couples should support each other in staying away from harmful vices and addictions. By exploring new activities together as replacements for these vices, couples can distract themselves and promote healthier habits. Seeking professional health treatment should never be hesitated upon if you or your partner feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. If that happens, always consider family mental health treatment.

Supporting Each Other’s Problems

The pandemic has brought about numerous difficulties and threats to humanity. From battling the complications of the disease to facing economic crises, almost everyone is feeling the strain. To navigate through these feelings and challenging times, it is crucial for families to support each other and establish a robust support system that can positively impact their family mental health.

Whether you have a family member who is sick or someone who lost a job, be sure to support them in the best way possible.

Having a family member with health complications is one of the last things you want to happen in your family. It is debilitating to the function of family members and causes severe emotional and mental stress. But by being there for each other, it can help release the psychological stress and ease the emotional burden. You can also look for support from your relatives and social groups.

Losing a job is never easy, and it can have a profound impact on one’s self-worth, value, and the economic security of the family. If a family member is going through this challenging situation, it is crucial to be there for them, reassuring them of their value and offering hope for the future.

Having good mental health with your family will be a daunting but fulfilling task. You get to know each other’s behaviors and learn more about their emotional needs. Explore different ways to cope with the effects of the pandemic together with the family. Support one another with the struggles and health problems by showing appreciation and value to each other.

Always have hope and faith in your family members that you can make it through this pandemic. No matter how hard life will be, having a supportive family ensures that you will find a calm center in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions On Mental Health

What Is Family In Mental Health?

How Family Affects My Mental Health?

Why Is Mental Health Important In Family?

How Can I Support My Family’s Mental Health?

What Are Effective Strategies For Maintaining Good Mental Health?

Why Is Prioritizing Mental Health Crucial For Overall Well-Being?

How Can We Prevent Mental Health Problems Within The Family?

What Role Does Family Play In Mental Health Support?

How Can I Explain Mental Health

…

Today, we are faced with many stressful situations and unfamiliar circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are called to navigate through a new normal and change the way we spend our days mostly just stuck at home. This can be a tough time for families and marriages, and it could trigger anxiety and fear for anyone, both young and old. 

It is essential to look out for family mental health and wellness during this time. The “new normal” can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. So we must find ways to stay stable and positive despite all the uncertainties. Here are practical ways to nurture your family’s health and wellness during the pandemic. 

Establish A Healthy Routine At Home 

A healthy routine at home, which may include marriage counseling, is essential because it gives a sense of order amidst all the changes and adjustments that can be quite overwhelming and stressful. This way, there is somehow a continuous flow of events or activities that are predictable despite all the uncertainties the pandemic has brought about. 

For young children, routines are established for them to know what to expect in their day and eventually find rhythm and independence. During these uncertain times, this could apply to people of all ages because everyone is called to navigate through a new normal, which has changed the way we spend our days. 

Strengthen The Immune System 

A healthy immune system is needed now more than ever as we all go through this pandemic. This is our number one shield from contracting the coronavirus. The best thing you can do to fend off the unpredictable spread of the virus is by focusing on boosting your family’s immunity and health. 

Your family’s diet and eating habits are two things that can be altered right now to strengthen the immune system. Encourage your family to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, take vitamins and supplements, get some sunlight, and exercise regularly. 

Regulate Screen Time 

The daily news updates about COVID-19 can be quite overwhelming and may trigger anxiety and fear. Although it is necessary to stay updated, regulating screen time and allotting time off TV news or social media is good for everyone’s mental health. This is also to help one focus on accomplishing daily tasks and responsibilities despite the turbulence, which can really take a toll on one’s productivity. 

As for kids and teenagers who may be using gadgets all day because they are just stuck at home, it is best to set boundaries and encourage them to do other activities. Discipline with screen time for every member is good for everyone physically, emotionally, and socially.

Exercise Together 

Exercising together is a simple way to bond as a family while helping each other stay fit and healthy. Doing exercise with the family is also great motivation, especially for people who do not really like exercising. This keeps your endorphins high and increases blood circulation in your brain, reducing stress and keeping your body healthy. 

Find fun and creative ways to move and break a sweat. Follow home workout videos, play backyard games and sports, ride the bike, or walk together.

Manage Conflicts Positively 

We are all facing a time of distress, and the last thing you would want is additional stress from mishandled conflicts. During this time, disagreements may typically arise because of all the overwhelming circumstances.

It is important to remember to deal with frictions as positively as possible without letting your emotions get the best of you. Respond calmly and acknowledge your feelings. Instead of reacting negatively and impulsively, take time to sort out the problem, and encourage a healthy dialogue between family members. 

Set Up Virtual Gatherings

With the help of technology and social media, staying connected with relatives and friends despite the physical distance is possible. Many might be experiencing cabin fever, so interacting virtually with people outside the home may give a sense of normalcy and connection. 

In the virtual world, it is possible to throw birthday parties, celebrate graduations and other milestones, host playdates, do simple catch-ups, and even do activities such as exercising, cooking, and playing games. Despite the need for social distancing, we must find ways to cultivate our social lives to draw comfort and a deep sense of connection.

Schedule Family Bonding Activities  

Despite everyone being busy adjusting to their new work or school home set-up and schedule, it is essential to bond as a family. Although family bonding is usually done outside of the home, there are many ways to make family bonding time at home fun and meaningful still. Here are some ideas: 

• Host a family cook-off 
• Revive old puzzles and board games  
• Schedule movie nights  
• Watch home videos 
• Look back at old pictures 
• Listen to throwback music 
• Do DIY projects together 

Take Care Of Your Well-Being 

Taking care of your well-being is just as important as looking out for your family’s health and wellness. Despite being around your whole family almost 24/7, it is essential to set aside time to rest and reset your mind and body. This is a way to help manage emotions and regulate stress. You can help other people better if you also take care of yourself. 

Final Thoughts 

According to Dr. Nel Wieman, MD, “It will be very helpful if people can stay calm, keep themselves informed, and feel in control of the measures that they can take to protect themselves and their families.” The pandemic can undoubtedly affect one’s health and wellness. Still, there are many ways to strengthen family bonds and come out stronger after this challenging time.

Life after COVID-19 may, however, look uncertain at this point. So it is vital to look out for your family and find ways to create a sense of normalcy at home while adjusting to the new normal. 

 …

The day you learn that your husband has been cheating on you with another woman all this time is perhaps the worst day you will ever go through. After all, you have promised to each other that you will be together until death befalls either of you. But due to your man’s infidelity, you may be unable to decide if you will speed things up for him or give him another chance to change.

Either way, it seems fitting to compare a cheater to the coronavirus, which has been plaguing the entire world. They are both seen as a menace, and what they have done to innocent people like you cannot be forgiven quickly. 

In case your pain is blurring the correct path that you should take, you should try the following tips that used to only apply to the coronavirus:

Isolate Yourself From Him

The coronavirus has pushed almost every world leader to place a lot of countries under lockdown. No one is supposed to cross the borders; even if you are a citizen trying to come home, you need to wait until the orders ease up. Any person who has or is suspected of having COVID-19 also need to isolate themselves for a minimum of 14 days to avoid spreading the disease.

Now, if you treat your cheating husband like a coronavirus, it entails that you must stay away from him as best as you can. Avoid letting him in if he knocks on your door; try not to answer their calls and texts. It will also be great if you stop talking to your mutual friends who may try to coax you to forgive and forget the infidelity. This way, you can contemplate your next move without getting agitated by other people.

Look For A Way To Get Rid Of Him For Good

Assuming you have had enough of your spouse’s cheating habits, congratulations are in order. You are the wife; you should never need to share your husband with anyone. If he suggests otherwise, then you have every right to remove him from your life for good.

Feeling confused about what your first step should be is understandable. Still, think about why the scientists are looking for a vaccine that will immunize everyone against the coronavirus. When you get a shot of it, the disease will no longer affect you. And what a vaccine does for coronavirus is what an adultery case or divorce does for a cheater. 

Learn How To Take Care Of Yourself 

If the coronavirus can talk, it must be spewing expletives towards healthy people. After all, it is easier for any virus to stick to unhealthy folks than the latter. Even when the coronavirus manages to get past the body’s first line of defense, the patients eventually recover and don’t suffer from too many symptoms.

Given that your cheating husband is no better than the coronavirus, seeing you doing well without them will wallop him. That is especially true for some guys who think that you have no choice but to forgive whatever they do since you can’t survive by yourself. In reality, you can build up your career, try online counseling (e.g., BetterHelp), and become financially independent. And when you start taking care of your body and mind, your spouse may regret fooling around behind your back and try to kneel at your feet.

Final Thoughts

The main question is: Will you still forgive and accept a man who has cheated on you? 

The decision is and will always be up to you. However, please do not think that taking back your cheating husband is your only option. Like a coronavirus, his cheating habits can surface anytime, considering that he has already had a taste for it.

Be wise and keep your heart, mind, and body safe. Good luck!…

My marriage has been on the rocks since the past year. There was no third party involved; neither my wife nor I had troubling behaviors or addictions. Our primary problem was that our work schedules had not been matching up, and we seldom saw each other at home.

You see, I run a restaurant downtown from 6 P.M. up to 2 A.M. My wife, on the other hand, is a marketing executive whose job requires her to work overtime often. Sometimes, she would come to the restaurant to say hi to me. Other times, I would stay at home until she’s back. But we both got too busy at the same time, and no one seemed to want to give up career opportunities in favor of the marriage.

Fast forward to 2020, my news about the coronavirus outbreak reached our radar. Our city—New York—turned out to have the highest number of infected individuals. I had to close my restaurant when the governor issued a lockdown. My wife’s office had to shut down, too. All of a sudden, we found ourselves at home together after a long time.
And it felt incredible. Without a doubt, the lockdown has saved my marriage. Here’s how.

We Have Endless Hours To Talk

The primary issue that we had had as a couple is the fact that we cannot sit down and hash things out. When I have time to talk, my wife is either busy or fast asleep. I am mostly in a similar state when she is ready for a conversation. The result is that we end up chatting about who will go out to pay the bills and get groceries.

The lockdown, however, has given us plenty of time to talk. I remember us having dinner, and I open the conversation with a simple “How are you?”. It has opened the floodgate of emotions for us, and we talk nonstop nowadays.

We Can Do Everything Together

Before the quarantine, it has felt like we are doing things like a tag team. When one is out, the other has to do the chores. It is a give-and-take situation, but our routine has become no different from that of regular roommates.

Ever since the lockdown has been issued, we do everything as a team. The other day, we cleaned the house together. When we did the laundry, my wife was in charge of the first rotation while I did the second one. Yesterday, we went grocery shopping. Not only did it make such activities fun and almost effortless, but it improved our dynamics as a married couple.

Our Sexual Relationship Has Been Rekindled

As troubling as it may sound, my wife and I have not had sex ever since we became swamped with work. We still slept in the same bed every night, but I would pass out instantly when my back hits the mattress. Meanwhile, my wife had to get ready for work early, and she would be gone every time I woke up.

This lack of sexual relationship only stopped when we got quarantined together. After fixing our communication issues, it was as if we were at the honeymoon stage again.

Final Thoughts

I am fully aware as to why the lockdown is hard for many people. It has negatively affected my business, too, and I hope that it will end soon. However, I cannot deny that it is a blessing in disguise for my failing marriage. Now, even when the governor lifts the quarantine, I believe that my wife and I will be able to work around each other’s schedules better than ever.

Stay at home, guys!…