The rules and issues around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and information changes consistently. Please take note of when our content was written and always go to the sources we’ve provided for the most current guidance.

Living through a pandemic is difficult for many reasons, including the toll it may take on mental health. Today we’re sharing some tips from BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services and Anxiety Canada on how you can support your mental health through this crisis. 

Seven tips to support your mental health through the COVID-19 pandemic: 

1. Stay connected 

Although we aren’t seeing everyone we normally would in person, it’s important to maintain a level of social connection that makes you feel supported. Phone calls, video calls and even a physically distanced conversation (if you’ve expanded your bubble during phase 2) can help you manage stress and boost your mood.  

2. Make sure your basic body needs are met 

Physical and mental well-being are connected. Taking steps to maintain your physical well-being can be an important factor in maintaining mental wellness. 

  • Eat well: This doesn’t mean eating a nutritionally perfect diet, but instead finding a balance of a variety of foods that make you feel good—emotionally and physically. While no one food will be a cure-all, incorporating a variety of healthy, nutrient-dense foods (and some foods that are just plain tasty) can help you stay healthy. 
  • Get enough sleep: Getting adequate sleep helps mental well-being in a variety of ways including helping you process information and making you more resilient to stress. If you struggle with getting enough sleep, try establishing a consistent routine and limiting your screen time before bed.  
  • Exercise: It’s not only good for your body. Exercise can be an effective stress reliever. Exercising doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially during this time when you might have additional stressors on your plate. If you don’t feel up to something high energy, try taking a physically distant walk around the neighbourhood. 

3. Try a relaxation practice 

There are many different practices that can help you to de-stress. Different practices suit different people, so you can give a variety a try and see what works (or doesn’t) for you. Some ideas to start your search are yoga, meditation or a breathing pattern practice. 

4. Limit your time checking the news 

In the digital age, it’s easy to find yourself scrolling through social media sites, news articles or watching TV for much longer than you had intended. While it’s good to have enough information about what’s going on to make good choices, too much of a good thing can be mentally draining. Try to find a balance that keeps you informed without taking a hefty emotional toll. 

5. Spend your time on reliable sources 

Related to the last point, it also matters what kind of information you’re absorbing. False information, apart from being harmful, can be draining (especially if it comes with a chain of arguing comments). Instead, you can consider periodically checking a handful of reliable sources for updates: 

6. Equip yourself with what you can do 

There are a number of things each of us can do to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 including physical distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home if you are sick, wearing non-medical masks where physical distancing isn’t possible, and other recommendations found in the links above. An added side benefit of having this knowledge is that it may help you to feel empowered rather than helpless when considering COVID-19.  

7. Be self-compassionate 

Know that this is an uncertain time and it’s normal to experience more worry or anxiety than usual. Don’t put expectations on yourself to immediately feel better, but if you’re able to, you can take time to participate in practices (perhaps some of the above) that may help you.  

Also, be realistic in what you expect of yourself during this time. Perhaps now isn’t the time to expect yourself to be extra productive—or perhaps you need the distraction and it is! The point is, during this time, you should cater your expectations to be realistic to your experience.  

Because this is an unprecedented and stressful time, much of our energy is used to adjust and manage our new landscape, and that may mean you have less bandwidth elsewhere; be kind to yourself if you find that’s the case. And, if you need more and/or immediate support, check out the resources below.  

What if you need support? 

In the case of an emergency: Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. 

If you need more support: The Government of BC has a page dedicated to mental health resources (most of them free) that may be helpful to you.  

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Look through all of our COVID-19 related information on our website.       

Where do we fit in? 

Yes, we are a provincial regulator. We are responsible for some very specific transactions in BC. We aren’t experts on COVID-19. We won’t – and shouldn’t – ever give medical or legal advice. But we are in a unique circumstance right now and we want to help people navigate the current reality. We don’t have all the answers, but we will do our best to share information from reliable sources, put it in ways that are easy to digest and understand, provide referrals and help you navigate this situation.     

About Consumer Protection BC: 

We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.