Life kind of sucks right now. The coronavirus has upended the last five months of our lives and the realization is dawning that it will probably be more of the same until at least 2021. As time passes, most schools seem to be adopting a fully virtual learning model which means parents are going to be stuck at home and there will be even more unwanted screen time for the kids. Oh, did I mention the country is divided along political and racial lines? I mean, how can you not be depressed?

Depression Makes Sense

There are numerous hardships that have arisen due to the coronavirus. Loved ones are sick and dying. People are losing their jobs and their livelihoods. Many people can’t pay the rent or put food on their table. And as a final insult, we are disconnected from the support of friends and family. It doesn’t help that the news covers tales of gut-wrenching sorrow that have occurred as a result of dealing with the fallout of the pandemic. That is why some people worry about COVID-19 causing its own mental health crisis. So, don’t feel worse if your mood is less than stellar. You have a lot of company.

What Kind Of Depression Is This?

When most people talk about depression, they are usually referring to major depressive disorder. This encompasses a select criteria of symptoms, such as sadness and insomnia, that last over a certain time period. For many people that suffer from major depression, it appears to be largely biological; it does not matter what is going on in their environment. That is why someone with a seemingly charmed life may commit suicide. Although the coronavirus can exacerbate symptoms in someone who already has depressive tendencies, it can be considered a more situational depression. That is, our depressive feelings are due to the specific set of circumstances that have come about because of the outbreak.

Coronavirus Depression Busters

Whether your depression is situational or not, it still feels lousy. The good news is that situational depression usually abates when your circumstances improve. Here are some things you can do in the meantime:

Start With Something Small

One of the most challenging aspects of depression is motivation. It is hard to help yourself when you may not even want to get out of bed. That is why it is crucial to give yourself a small manageable goal to start. For example, doing high-intensity activity for a half hour may sound daunting, but what about 5 minutes of walking? It is all about getting yourself going. Once that occurs, you will find that you will want to take on bigger objectives.

Make A Schedule

When chaos reigns it is helpful to have a routine. Usually, going to school or work provides that structure. Just because you may not be leaving the house, however, does not mean you can’t be on a schedule. You will feel calmer and happier if you follow the same framework each day. Maintaining a consistent schedule helps with countless mood-enhancing elements, such as sleep, diet, and goal-directed behavior. Meet with your family and work out a routine you can stick to.

Don’t Fool Yourself

Unless you live in a remote rural area, COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon. Even states and cities that have it somewhat under control now are seeing an uptick due to people fighting against the confines of restrictions. Despite the president’s best efforts, you can’t just flip a switch and have coronavirus disappear. Denying or minimizing the realities of the coronavirus just makes it worse. Why you might ask? Because you can’t effectively cope with something that you are trying to convince yourself does not exist or is not a big deal. The best thing you can do is accept it and try to move forward with your life.

Stay Active

I know I am beating a dead horse here but it is important to exercise. It is especially good if you can get out of the house when you do it. It is difficult to feel bad when your blood is pumping and you are breathing in the fresh air. Doesn’t everyone feel good after they exercise? Besides, regular activity has been shown to act as a sort of depression vaccine. If you are having difficulty motivating, invite a friend along for a socially distanced workout. Want to boost your mood even more? Mix in some mindfulness meditation to help decrease your anxiety and further elevate your emotions.

Stay Away From (Too Much) Junk Food

A lot of people have turned to comfort foods to make themselves feel better while dealing with the restrictions of COVID-19. That is fine, within reason. There is nothing wrong with eating pizza or treating yourself to ice cream now and then. The problem is that some people use these foods as a way to deal with stress. They are eating junk almost daily. Unfortunately, making poor food choices is associated with depression and worsening mood. Let’s face it, gaining weight is not going to make you feel better about yourself. In addition, eating a lot of carbs and sugar contributes to blood sugar imbalances that negatively affect mood. Have you ever experienced a sugar crash? Now imagine having that crash while you are already feeling depressed. Not a good combination. When it comes to food just remember the golden rule of mental health: everything in moderation.

Look Toward The Future

The advantage of being in the middle of a horrible pandemic is that it can’t be much worse. Yes, it will go on for a while but life will gradually improve. We know that multiple vaccines are being developed that will put an end to this crisis. It is just a matter of time. So, when the coronavirus has you feeling in the dumps, keep in mind that it will likely all be over within the next several months. Then you can go back to social gatherings and indoor activities. Whether you still want to shake hands and give hugs will be up to you.