Mental Health During Quarantine Part 1: Staying Connected

Home Alone?

During the quarantine, which as of now is to last until April 30^th, Rochester Holistic Psychiatry is keeping in touch with our patients.  We are currently consulting over the phone and via video call, so you don’t have to go without mental health help.  Telemedicine is being used by medical professionals all over the world and aids greatly with diagnosis and home care.  Talking with a medical professional via telemedicine services also helps patients know whether they should make an in-person appointment and/or if there are instructions from the doctor they can follow at home.  Contact us for more information on how to use telemedicine to talk with Rochester Holistic Psychiatry.

We’d like to share some tips on how to care for your mental health during quarantine.  This month, we’re doing a four-part series where we discuss a strategy for making the most out of this time of social distancing.  Today, let’s talk about staying connected.

Make Social Media Work for You

Use the social media accounts you already have.  Don’t just look at them, use them.  Go through your list of friends on Facebook; there are likely a few family members and several old acquaintances you haven’t spoken with for a long time.  Check in to see if they are safe, and take the opportunity to catch up.

If there is a social media platform you’re curious about, take a look.  You may be able to explore without making an account.  Look up some topics or people you’re interested in- you never know what you’ll find.

Go Live!

Meetings that used to happen in physical space are still happening face to face, but remotely.  Tools like Zoom and Skype are seeing more use than ever as venues for productive, efficient conversations between parties near and far.  Video calls don’t have to be about business either, as virtual hobby meetups are popping up every day, as well as virtual happy hours and discussion groups.

Learn Something

Check social media for virtual events like seminars, lectures, and classes.  It’s never a bad time to learn a new skill, whether it’s knitting, computer programming, competitive chess, or anything one can think of.  This is also a perfect way to meet new friends who already share a common interest with you.  You may even find that your new skill is highly marketable- never underestimate yourself!

Don’t Be a Stranger

We’re ready to answer your questions about the treatments we offer at Rochester Holistic Psychiatry.  We are devoted to serving your mental health needs, whether we can see you in person or remotely.  Keep yourself safe, and we’ll see you soon.