COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness

by Health Stand Nutrition | Apr 8, 2020

Are You an Over-responder or Under-responder?

Mental health awareness guest blog post by Adele Fox, Psychologist

In these current uncertain times, people will either under-respond or over-respond, neither of which is productive or healthy. Knowing your type will enable you to shift in some of the ways you are thinking and behaving to increase your well-being during this crisis.

Under-responders

Under-responders are those individuals who dismiss the current risks and believe the crisis to be exaggerated. A person who under-responds will be less likely to manage their hygiene, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and thus may contribute to the spread of Covid-19.

Over-responders

Over-responders will become increasingly anxious about Covid-19 and will overthink worst case scenarios, misinterpret their physical status, needlessly wear protective masks, hoard items, and be consumed with media information. Over-responders can fuel their own and other’s fear leading to increased stress and strain on ourselves and the system.

Mental health awareness: responding wisely

In order to mitigate from being an over or under-responder the following is recommended:

1) Limit the amount of social media you expose yourself to.

2) Ensure that you are consulting reputable sources for evidence-based information.

3) Reduce the amount you discuss Covid with others and if talking about it, focus on what is known, not contribute to discussions about the unknown and catastrophizing.

4) Focus on what is within your control that contributes positively to your day or that of others.

5) Maintain a balanced perspective, reminding yourself that the world and people have survived through many difficult times and will continue to do so.

6) If you have children, manage your adult conversations and language regarding Covid-19, and role model health coping skills. Children are watching how you are responding to this.

7) If possible, seek out professional support via video or phone meetings. Just being able to talk to someone that is not in your immediate family can assist in your ability to cope. It’s also an opportunity to learn new stress management skills that you may not be aware of, or develop a greater understanding of yourself!

We have the ability to regulate our level of emotional experience and stress levels. Putting energy into what we have the ability to impact/control in positive ways, and reducing negative overthinking can enable us to navigate this with as little suffering as possible.

Top 25 apps for mental health for 2020

If you are looking for some additional mental health awareness and support here are the top 25 apps for mental health as recommended by PSYCOM: Best mental health awareness and support apps

Looking for more healthy living tips?

Check out these other articles on our blog:

COVID-19 Cooking: 30 Healthy Meal Ideas for Your Home

Healthy Pantry Snacks and Staples for COVID-19 and Beyond

COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness: Are you an Over-Responder or Under-Responder?

Re-defining the Joy of Movement During High Stress Times

COVID-19 Nutrition: Coronavirus Home Eating Guide

Free Fitness Apps, Yoga and Meditation Resources for Adults and Kids

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Psychologist Adele Fox and her team provide comprehensive services spanning assessment, treatment and/or support for a range of mental health needs at any age. Specializing in a range of mental health needs, they will help you recognize your blind spots and stretch into more of your inherent abilities. Video, office and phone appointment available (daytime, evening, weekday and weekend availability). For more information visit: www.adelefox.com

Health Stand Nutrition

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COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness

Are You an Over-responder or Under-responder?

Under-responders

Over-responders

Mental health awareness: responding wisely

Top 25 apps for mental health for 2020

Looking for more healthy living tips?

Health Stand Nutrition

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