“It’s like a psychological thriller, there is a threat slightly off screen and you are left to imagine it yourself".

People with brain injuries are not flexible thinkers, have trouble with decision making and assessing risk. A pandemic will test all of these. It may be easier mentally to avoid all risk than try to live in the grey area. However, more physical distancing and isolation are not helpful to reduce the loneliness and stress of living with a brain injury at the best of times. You have likely become more anxious and depressed during the pandemic, especially without the normal things available that make you feel better. That’s OK. Don’t judge yourself for not having coped better. The pandemic is a file that is always open on your brain, consciously or subconsciously. It's exhausting.

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Info about how a pandemic affects those with brain injury

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-pandemic-brain-injuries-cognitive-challenges-1.5791323?fbclid=IwAR3IKehRzpI1zodXg70kJGWzqjrzn4K4yEkBKSMM8qeq31zJsrXDhZ-r6Ok

https://www.brainline.org/blog/getting-back-bike/pandemic-and-brain-injury-maintaining-emotional-health-staying-moment

This is a stressful time and it’s natural to feel anxious about COVID-19. Worries about the virus, physical distancing and increased isolation from others can all contribute to deteriorating mental health. While we may feel stressed, it’s important that we all do what we can to create a positive frame of mind and take care of our mental health and well-being – and remember to pay attention to the mental health and well-being of others. With more and more accessible and virtual options being developed during the pandemic, survivors now have more options for connections.

Tips to take care of your mental health in a pandemic

Take breaks from news and social media

Get your facts about COVID-19 from the right sources

• The World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

• Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

• Provincial and territorial resources https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms/provincial-territorial-resources-covid-19.html

Meditate

Have a spa day-take a bath with nice soaps, shampoo, put on nail polish

Create a structure for your day

Exercise and get outdoors

Eat a healthy diet

Limit caffeine and alcohol

Do things that make you happy

Don’t judge yourself for weight gain or other results of pandemic coping-think of it all as temporary

Connect socially

Let yourself feel disappointed or frustrated – but don’t dwell on those feelings

Stop feeling the pressure of always having to make lemonade out of lemons. “I’m out of the lemonade business”-Michael J. Fox

Try to do things to get out of your own head….distractions, hobbies, etc..

Tips to support others during quarantine

Make donations

Support local business

Reach out to people

Offer an ear – and some resources “The best way to help other cope with the pandemic is to simply be a witness to their pain/stress”

Make small things for other people

Resources on mental health and COVID-19

• https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/guide-mental-health-covid-19/

• Frequently asked questions and information about COVID-19 from the Canadian Association of Mental Health

• COVID-19 and Your Mental Health: a resource from Alberta Health Services

• Information on COVID-19 from the Government of Canada

• Mental health considerations during COVID-19 from the World Health Organization

• The World Health Organization’s tips on coping with stress