Supporting Mental Health During a Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact on stress levels and mental health. 

This healthcare crisis is something that many of your patients have never experienced in their lifetime, which is why it’s crucial that you support them physically and mentally. The looming fear of contracting COVID-19 has altered daily routines—from work to school and everything in between. With all the new realities we are facing today, it’s important to check in on your patients’ mental health. 

The Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health

According to KKF, “In a KFF Tracking Poll conducted in mid-July, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March, the first time this question was included in KFF polling.”¹

Stress can have an unfavorable impact on mental health and the immune system—especially now. Keep your patients in check now and in the future with a variety of coping mechanisms that may be beneficial—and remember: everyone responds to stressful situations differently. Be the support system your patients need today.

Strategies for Coping with Stress

Take a Deep Breath

Slowing down and recognizing feelings is essential during this time. Whether it’s meditation or pausing to breathe during times of high stress, taking a deep breath can bring a sense of calm to the mind and body. According to Neurocore Brain Performance Centers, “When you take a deep breath in, your heart rate quickens slightly. As you exhale, your heart rate slows. Repeated deep breaths will naturally bring your heart rate more in sync with your breath. This leads your brain to release endorphins, which are chemicals that have a natural calming effect.”²

 Support the Immune System

When patients are stressed, it can cause the adrenal glands to work overtime. According to Robert M. Sargis, MD, PhD, “The adrenal glands have a multi-functional role in the endocrine system. The two very different parts of these glands, the medulla and cortex, regulate and maintain many of your internal processes—from metabolism to the fight-or-flight response.”³

Your patients may not be getting all of the nutrients their bodies—and adrenal glands—need to function efficiently. Fill the gap in your patients’ diet with supplements formulated to support adrenal fatigue. Additionally, we carry a variety of supplement categories including Amino Acids, Superfoods, and Immune System Support.

Move the Body

Exercise has a positive effect on stress levels by releasing endorphins into the brain—especially during aerobic exercises. Mood boosting exercises like yoga and pilates, cycling, brisk walking, swimming, and elliptical training are just a few that can help to trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain. Help your patients clear their minds, tone their bodies, and boost their moods with aerobic exercises they can do daily.

Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Schedule

Sleep is crucial to a healthy lifestyle—and mental health. According to Harvard Health, there are over 70 different types of sleep disorders, many of which vary depending on someone’s mental health. “The brain basis of a mutual relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood. But neuroimaging and neurochemistry studies suggest that a good night’s sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep deprivation sets the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability.”⁴

We are here to support you and your patients during this difficult time. For all of your PPE and health essential needs, count on MeyerPT.

Create an account with MeyerPT today or contact your personal account manager at 1.866.528.2144 for more information.

References 

¹Nirmita Panchal, Rabah Kamal, and Apr 2020. “The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.” KFF, 21 Aug. 2020, www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/.

²labonno, Tanjina. “Does Deep Breathing Really Do Anything?” Neurocore, 23 Apr. 2019, www.neurocorecenters.com/blog/does-deep-breathing-really-do-anything. 

³Sargis , Robert M. “An Overview of the Adrenal Glands.” EndocrineWeb, www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands. 

⁴Publishing, Harvard Health. “Sleep and Mental Health.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/sleep-and-mental-health.