Can Always Being at Home Make You Depressed?
The COVID-19 pandemic has more people confined indoors at the same time than ever before. With limited social interactions and restrictions on public spaces and gatherings, many might be left feeling sad and even depressed over being at home all the time.
Can being home make you depressed? And if you feel depressed after being cooped inside for so long, how can you mitigate those depressive feelings? We will give you tips and solutions if you need to see a therapist safely from home.
Depression in the age of COVID-19
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), about 1 in 15 adults are affected by depression in a given year. It is a common yet serious condition that can have a negative impact on how you feel, think, and act.
How COVID-19 can impact depression
The COVID-19 pandemic is a distressing, uncertain time for everyone, and more so for those struggling with depression. On top of staying home, many are struggling financially, have lost jobs, or are grieving a loved one. This all can have a huge impact on mood as people are stuck in quarantine.
Does staying at home cause depression? Why?
The answer is it depends. One study did find that social isolation and loneliness is linked to worsened mental and physical health problems.
Some people may do better in isolation than others, but overall, feelings of loneliness are likely to increase. This can be even more true in people already prone to depression, since they may not have access to the typical coping mechanisms (going out to dinner with friends, attending a meditation or yoga class, etc.)
5 ways to stop feeling depressed at home
Here are some helpful ways how to stop feeling depressed at home:
1. Call or video chat a friend
Simply connecting and hearing a trusted friend’s or family member’s voice can help you feel more connected and social.
2. Write down some goals
Having some things that you can look forward to can help you feel more productive, positive, and keep feelings of depression at bay.
3. Create a schedule
Having routines to follow every day will prevent you from becoming aimless and sleeping for most of the day or feeling purposeless.
4. Go outside
Getting outside in the fresh air and being in nature is very healing for the mind, and can give you a better perspective on things.
5. See an online therapist
Therapy is still possible when you’re at home. Join Lavender is an online service that will give you quick access to a therapist who can help those suffering from depression alleviate their symptoms, or just for people who are feeling lonely from too much social isolation. Learn about our offerings on our website today.
We hope this article has been helpful in educating you on whether being at home makes you depressed, and if so, how to overcome those feelings of depression.