The stress of staying home and the unknowns of a global pandemic can be hard on our brains. Here is some advice from local professionals on ways you can maintain your mental health at this time.
“If your entire mental world is filled with thoughts about COVID-19 it’s kind of time to challenge yourself to shelve that for a while, let it go, expand your thoughts about the other things in your life," Reece Neilson said.
Neilson is the clinical director at the Family Place. Neilson, along with other local health professionals said maintaining mental health is important during the global pandemic.
Neilsen said it is a good idea to catch up with family and friends, spend time outside, and focus on the little things that make you happy.
Tiffany Burnhope is a therapist at Bear River Mental Health in Brigham City and said it is important to make sure you are spending time outside during the pandemic.
“Physical exercise is the number one thing you can do for your mental health," she said.
Burnhope also suggested making a to-do list at home in order to get tasks accomplished and feel productive.
Utahns also have access to a Utah government app called Mystrength made to help support mental health needs during the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Eric Tadehara oversees children’s mental health services in the state of Utah and said the app is individualized and specific in helping individuals cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The whole purpose is to really allow people to empower themselves to be active in their own journey as they’re trying to become healthy and stay healthy both mentally and physically," he said.
According to Tadehara the app is currently offering a free 60 day trial that they hope to extend permanently.
The mystrength app can be downloaded on both Apple and Android phones. It can also be accessed by going to www.mystrength.com.
