Thriving vs Surviving during difficult times

Maintaining good mental wellbeing is of particular importance during this pandemic with widespread economic uncertainty, contamination fears and the necessities of social distancing. Common indicators of deteriorating mental health  during this period can include symptoms such as:

• Feelings of tension

• Worry and dread

• Irritability and anger

• Feelings of isolation or loneliness

• Restlessness

• Poor concentration

• Sleep problems

• Chronic boredom

• Low mood and pessimism

People can experience these symptoms to different degrees. If severe, these symptoms may warrant treatment by specialised professionals. However, it is usually easier to address mental health problems when they begin to emerge  rather than when they become severe or entrenched. Indicators of emerging mental health problems can include a loss of optimism and hope for the future where people may feel that their lives are dull or boring and that this situation will never change. They may even start to dread the day ahead because it does not bring them any pleasure or sense of accomplishment. Other indicators can include feeling tired or unmotivated to carry out their usual activities.

You may find our ‘Thriving or Surviving’ questionnaire helpful to assess your own mental health. This questionnaire is not a substitute for symptom-based measures, but it may assist in determining whether you are thriving or (just) surviving under the current conditions.  

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You can find this questionnaire HERE.