How Long is this Going to Last? Dealing with Quarantine Fatigue
Many of us began this quarantine not knowing what to expect. I certainly did not accurately predict how long we would have to have to stay home. Staying home for long periods of time can be wearisome and take a toll physically and mentally. If you are struggling with staying home, then you may be experiencing what has now been dubbed “quarantine fatigue.” Even though most states are re-opening, many people are continuing to limit their social activities and continue some sort of modified quarantine.
What’s quarantine fatigue?
Quarantine fatigue is feeling physically and/or emotionally drained from staying home and limiting social contact for an extended period. The shelter in place order has caused some to feel isolated and disconnected from others. The added stress of trying to limit time outside of the home, doing schoolwork at home, working from home, and less contact with loved ones outside of the home has left many people feeling fed up. Quarantine fatigue is also like cabin fever where once enjoyable things to do around the home are not as fun anymore. Being tired of the restrictions and safety precautions we have taken to keep ourselves and others safe is understandable, but there are strategies to minimize quarantine fatigue.
Coping with Quarantine Fatigue
While we have become accustomed to coping with this challenging situation,
- Check-in with yourself and your feelings: It is okay to acknowledge how you are feeling, even if it is not a positive feeling. Checking in with your emotions is helpful in knowing how to help yourself feel better. It is okay to say, “I’m frustrated” or “I’m so tired of this”. Not acknowledging how you feel only causes more fatigue and frustration.
- Creative coping: After staying home for what feels like a long period of time, you might need to become creative with your coping techniques. Now is the time to try out some coping mechanisms you have not tried before or have not revisited in a while. Yoga and mindfulness techniques are helpful in promoting calm and can be done from home. You might just find a new coping strategy by taking a chance on a new artistic endeavor, such as painting, drawing, or knitting.
- Change up what is now the routine: By now many have made the most of technology that helps us keep in touch with others. Zoom and facetime meetings with friends and family are great but think of new ways to have fun while socially distancing. Maybe playing a fun game-like trivia or charades via the computer or phone can add some variety to a routine that is becoming stale. Another idea is to take turns teaching your friends and family a new skill via zoom. If you are continuing to stay home, it is beneficial to find new ways to interact with loved ones.
- Get some fresh air safely: Quarantining easily feels confining, but it is still acceptable to go outside while trying to limit physical contact with others. Going for walks and getting fresh air will help you feel less trapped inside your home. Being active in less crowded areas or even taking a solitary drive can reduce the feeling trapped and tired of your home.
Should I still be Quarantining?
There are many different opinions swirling around on whether we need to continue to stay inside and stay away from others or start venturing outside our homes. For some, it is not yet safe to practice social distancing outside of the home. Individuals must make the decision on continuing to quarantine for themselves based on what they are comfortable with and with the information available. Maybe you are someone with pre-existing health conditions and feel safer staying home. If so, you may choose to stay home and/or consult with your doctor on what is best for you. There is pressure on both sides of the issue, but making an informed opinion is the best way to make any decision as well as protect yourself and others.
While this confusing and challenging time drags on, please feel free to reach out if you need extra support. Having someone to talk through the challenges we are currently dealing with during COVID-19 is important. Even though quarantining at home can feel isolating, you are not alone.
Begin Online Therapy in Georgia
Coronavirus has had a profound impact on our physical and mental health, and if your struggling to cope, online therapy for in Georgia can help. To get started, please follow these steps:
- Reach out to Wellview counseling to schedule a consultation call with one of our therapists,
- Meet with a compassionate online therapist to ask any questions you may have about online therapy in Georgia
- Begin online therapy in Georgia and take care of your mental health during this challenging time.
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Wellview Counseling is a therapy clinic in Rosewell GA that offers a variety of mental health services to help you or your loved ones find healing and growth. Our counseling services include play therapy, child counseling, individual counseling, social skills groups for kids, therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD treatment, chronic illness counseling, family therapy, and positive discipline parent education opportunities. During the Coronavirus pandemic we are practicing social distancing and offering all our services online. Please reach out to our Rosewell, GA mental health clinic to learn more about online therapy and the many ways we can help you or your loved one.
About the Author: Ashley Bobo, LCSW
Ashley Bobo, LCSW provides individual and family therapy to help with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression & anxiety, parent coaching, and other mental health concerns.
If you’d like more support, give us a call at 678-288-6221 or email info@wellviewcounseling.com.