It’s been a long haul since the first cases of COVID-19 arrived… and not just physically. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the nation’s mental health, and women’s mental health specifically.
If you recovered from COVID-19 months ago and still aren’t back to feeling like yourself again, you’re not alone. According to the Journal of Infection, more than 50% of all patients who contracted the virus may have symptoms that just don’t go away.
The pandemic has altered life in many ways, and these changes are especially affecting our kids.
“Children may now need to socially distance from friends, attend school remotely or virtually celebrate major life events like birthdays and graduations,” said Betsy Beckman, MD, a pediatrician with Holland Hospital Family Medicine – Douglas. “These adjustments, combined with ongoing uncertainties, can take a toll on a child’s mental health.”
Cultivating Coping Skills
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in plenty of change, but one thing remains tried and true: boosting your health and immunity is powerful medicine—and within your reach.
The holidays bring twinkling lights, dancing sugarplums and general merriment to mind, but perhaps this year more than ever, the season also has the potential to usher in plenty of stress and anxiety.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our everyday lives in many ways,” said Beth Wilmot, LMSW, Supervising Clinical Coordinator, Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs, Holland Hospital Behavioral Health Services. “The holidays are no exception, with some of our traditions being temporarily adjusted in light of our new realities.”
Flu vaccination week is around the corner. It’s not too late to roll up your sleeve and get your shot.
“Because the COVID-19 pandemic is still very much a reality, it’s particularly important to vaccinate yourself and your family against influenza this season,” said Lauren McGraw, DO, Holland Hospital Family Medicine – Douglas.
How do you celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year” amid our new normal? The COVID-19 pandemic will likely change holiday traditions for most of us.
While helping to slow the spread of the virus should remain a priority, you can still enjoy the holidays. But you should be mindful of current COVID-19 levels in your community to weigh whether to attend, postpone, cancel or limit the number of guests to any in-person gatherings.
While it’s typically felt like the “most wonderful time of the year” for many parents, back to school is ushering in a lot of new norms and uneasy feelings this fall. What can moms, dads, and caregivers do to keep their kids safe and their family’s worries in check when that bell officially rings?
Daniel Maring, DO, Holland Hospital Family Medicine, provides some practical tips: