Let’s explore the topic of Isolation..

There are many instances of mental health sufferers who don’t have the help to cope with mental illness on a regular basis and this quarantine epidemic makes things 100x worse. You may have asked yourself, “What am I to do to cope during this crisis?? Who really understands what its like to isolate in an isolation??” Believe me I have asked myself the same questions. Its one thing to isolate by choice and another thing to isolate by force.

So what does isolation mean to me??

Isolation for me means withdrawal from my family and friends, frequent mood changes and depression episodes. Sometimes, when I try to climb my way out of the darkness the only thing that helps is to sleep and even that’s a battle in itself. There are days where I am pacing the floor and nothing helps to calm me down. Days when the days and hours seem to blend together and its hard to take things one day at a time. This is when I pray for God to ease my anxiety and give me his peace. (Philippians 4: 6 – 7) Sometimes it doesn’t help immediately. But, it gives me hope that God is aware of my struggles and things will and can get better soon.

And what do I do about it??

During times like these I play Scrabble with my friends. Try to reread my favorite books. When I can’t sleep I listen to music that calms me. For stress management I do adult coloring (these can be found at Walmart and Amazon.) There is also an app called What’s Up App in the playstore (its red and has two hands joined together) where you can create a monthly mood chart, play mindfulness games and use their additional coping skills for anxiety and stress. If all else fails I send a encouraging call or text to someone else who may be struggling with similar issues. This helps to “get out of myself” and think of others. This encourages me to know I’m not alone.

So in essence I am saying don’t give up! Don’t give in! Trust me…I know its hard. But, you gotta keep fighting for your sanity and the peace you deserve. Try your best to not isolate and if you find yourself slipping please feel to reach out here or to someone you trust. Recently I connected with someone on YouTube who has the exact same symptoms and struggles I have. She has been a real comfort and I know there is someone out there for you too.

Be well and safe!