Mental health illnesses don't take a break just because there's a major outbreak of a scary virus going around. If you've been forced to stay cooped up at home and haven't been able to get access to mental health therapy, you should change that. Being isolated is generally a bad thing for people's mental health, and you shouldn't drop getting therapy, even during this time. Here's what you can do to get help.
Over the Phone
One simple option is to move your appointments to the phone. Many people engage in therapy over the phone. It does have some downsides, namely that you can't see your therapist visually, and they can't see you. However, if you're accustomed to talking about your feelings and what's been going on with a therapist, you should be able to get the message across just fine on the phone. Your therapist will also be able to provide you with advice and tips.
Face-to-Face (Digitally)
Another great option is to hop online. Many mental health practitioners and therapists now offer their services online, allowing you to communicate via video chat. This gives you the benefits of talking over the phone with the added bonus of being able to see each other. Whether you use a webcam attached to your computer or the camera that comes built-in to your phone, you can get the help that you need and feel more connected to another person.
House Visit
Last but not least, consider talking to your therapist about a house visit. Bringing the therapist to you reduces the risk of going outside and being exposed to the illness, especially if you normally have to sit in a waiting room for a long period of time. Not all therapists do home visits, but many do. This is a great choice if you need that one-on-one experience, and it can also provide your therapist with some insight into how you live and what condition your home is in, which are both potential impacts on your mental state.
Whatever you do, don't put your mental health on the backburner just because there's a virus going around. If you're not getting help yet, implement these tips to get support from someone remotely or within your own home. It will make a big difference in your mental health, especially during this trying time where people are forced to socially isolate themselves from others.
For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Comprehensive Behavioral Health Associates Inc.