Lay apostolate

MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

Drastic changes have come, and as we face this COVID-19, mental and psychological health is just as
important as physical health. As viruses know no borders, it continues to spread rapidly, and as time
passes by, all efforts are focused on understanding the epidemiology and management of the COVID‐19
outbreak, and there has been very little concern expressed over the effects on of virus on one's mental
health, Mental health and psychosocial support are more important this season than ever, especially
that more and more people are forced to stay at home, such isolation affects individuals and society,
and it causes disruption, anxiety, and stress. As for my experience, with all those hours that I try my best
to be productive despite being indoors, there are still times that I feel bothered and uneasy, questions
like “what’s going happen next?” It kept on bothering me. That big shift from being free outdoors to
staying at home at all times made me feel anxious about the future. Then it hit me, this is not my usual
pace, and it is normal to feel scared, and most especially — it’s okay not to be okay. Feeling heavy-
hearted is always valid, most especially in our scenario, considering all these drastic changes that we are
experiencing. It is challenging to adapt to the new realities of working from home, temporary
unemployment, online class, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and
colleagues. Added to this comes managing the fear of contracting the virus and worry about people
close to us who are particularly vulnerable. Recognizing this situation, quarantine and self‐isolation can
most likely cause a negative impact on one's mental health, that is why public awareness campaigns
focusing on the mental and psychological health support of individuals in the prevailing situation are
urgently needed.During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many are in lockdown or self-isolating, mental
health could suffer. Things are different right now, and everyone is adjusting. We need to stay at home
and distance ourselves from others, but we must consider reaching out to others to remind them that
they are loved and they deserve love. Find time each day to make virtual connections by email, texts,
phone, or facetime, or similar apps. Enjoy virtual socializing and talking to those in your home. Mental
health is very important, and in my opinion, the best mental health and psychosocial support we can get
is through connecting with other