Some of us feel anxious during this time of national quarantine. Others feel depressed. With the unrelenting spread of COVID-19, it’s uncertain what tomorrow will look like, and we worry about the details — will food run out? What about water? What do I do if I get sick? While it’s normal to worry about such things, immersing yourself in fear and anxiety doesn’t help. In fact, if you allow your mind free rein to obsess, you may find yourself needing depression therapy from a mental health professional. Harmony Bay Wellness can help. Our telehealth services may but just what you need to combat depression during these difficult times.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BEGIN TO FEEL DEPRESSED?

Feeling sad about what’s happening in the world right now is completely normal. But if you suspect your feelings may be more than just routine concern, use your phone or internet connection to check in with a mental health professional. Contact a depression therapy center near you for advice. They may recommend several courses of action, including:

• Coming in for an office visit
• Reporting to the local ER if your symptoms are severe (suicidal thoughts)
• Staying where you are and practicing daily therapies at home until quarantine lifts

Quarantine is easier if you’re not isolated alone. Now is the time to call on family members for help and support. Don’t feel ashamed to discuss your feelings with other adults in the household. Millions of people need depression therapy in America. You’re far from alone in your struggle.

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MYSELF FEEL BETTER?

If your physician recommends you remain at home, there are many things you can do to help lift the sudden, heavy veil of depression. Every try counts. Here’s what we recommend:

• Pick up any medications your doctor prescribed. Antidepressants such as Celexa, Abilify, or Cymbalta are often instrumental in helping to relieve the symptoms of depression. If your prescriber wrote you a script, use the drive-through feature of your local pharmacy to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Stay in close phone contact with your doctor. Once you begin using new medications, make sure you inform your prescriber of any ill side effects.
• Write down a schedule, and force yourself to stick to it. Having a tight schedule that encompasses your whole day has a huge impact on depression. Don’t give in to the urge to sleep most of the day. Rise early and open the curtains. Set outside to drink your morning cup of coffee. Shower and dress in clean clothes each day. Have something planned hour-by-hour throughout your day, even if you’re just planning to wash dishes or sweep the floor.
• Spend more time with family. If you’re in quarantine with your spouse, children, or other family members, spend time talking with them, playing board games, or cooking together. This gives you less time to focus on worry, and will help you to feel better, even if it’s only temporary.
• Check on your neighbors. Call that elderly couple who lives across the street and check in to make sure they’re okay. Doing good things for others is a wonderful way to feel better about yourself.
• Practice breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and visualization to help manage the symptoms of depression. All of these can be done at home, and all will help to improve your mood until you’re able to see your doctor in person.

IF YOU STILL NEED DEPRESSION THERAPY DURING COVID-19 QUARANTINE

If you need more support with depression therapy during your COVID-19 quarantine and are wondering if there are any therapists or psychiatrists near me in Cherry Hill, NJ, reach out to Harmony Bay Wellness today. We are available to guide you through this time of crisis and help combat depression. So, reach out to us today at [Direct] and talk to someone who’s willing to listen if you need more support. In the meantime, do all that you can to be kind to yourself until things get better. That time is not far away.