Real talk – our pathway to mental and physical wellness during COVID
by Dr. Amanda MacDonald
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s an eye-opening trend I’m noticing with practically all of my patients. Mental health concerns are at an all-time high.
Trifecta of reasons
During patient appointments, there’s a pattern involving the same three lines of discussion:
The chief medical complaint and reason for the call/visit, whether it be illness, injury, infection, etc.
A discussion about the patient’s mental health status during the pandemic.
Their concern about me, (and my family), as a front-line clinician in Nova Scotia.
Silver linings
Firstly, I’m deeply humbled about the latter point, that so many of my patients are asking how I’m doing during this challenging time. One of the gifts of family medicine is the fact you develop a robust relationship with your patients.
Their concern isn’t just for me, but for all of us working collaboratively in health care to help our fellow Nova Scotians, across offices, clinics, medical centres and hospitals in this province.
One of the silver linings is that we’re becoming more caring, empathetic and supportive of one another as a global community. It’s a topic I’ve touched on in my Chronicle Herald op-ed, How to stop COVID- lifestyle and stress from killing us slowly.
Mental health matters
The second point above is the one we really need to pay attention to: nearly every patient I interact with is talking to me about their concerns, challenges, upsets, losses and fears.
Our discussions inevitably land in the realm of mental health.
Why is this important?
Because people have also been telling me they felt alone. They thought they were the only one experiencing mental health or lifestyle changes. They incorrectly assumed, until after we spoke, that they’re the only one struggling. I reassure my patients that it’s us, as a society, grappling with wide-ranging issues.
They’ve also voiced a mix of shame and guilt associated with lifestyle changes and challenges. This can impact a person’s ability to improve these behaviours. It also affects their self-worth.
The collateral damage can be astronomical.
We want to stop unhealthy assumptions and practices before they become entrenched. We’ve never experienced anything like this before in our lifetime. No wonder people are having trouble coping. When our personal and professional routines go out the window, it’s natural to feel unsure, uneasy and afraid.
Doctors do, too.
What I’m pleased about is the fact that almost everyone is willing to talk to me about their mental health. Patients initiate this conversation. No matter our training, age, ability or experience, this kind of global event affects every single one of us.
We’re human first.
The breaking down of barriers is working, but we need to work together to destigmatize discussions around mental health. You can read more about the latest news and advancements in mental health and wellness initiatives at these two leading Nova Scotia-based non-profits: https://www.tema.foundation and https://www.mentalhealthns.ca.
Disturbing trends
Since the pandemic began, I’ve noticed people are eating, smoking and drinking more – while moving less. No one can blame you or anyone for overindulging at the start of this to try and cope. But it’s not a healthy trend and we don’t want it continuing in our society.
Once regular habits are broken, it’s hard to get back on track.
How do we begin to move towards a healthier lifestyle?
Healthy tips
Try to add little moments of movement and mindfulness to your day. For example, really look at the beauty of the leaves while you’re raking, get down on the floor with your children when they play, see the joy on their faces and join in, feel the burn when you bend down to weed your garden.
Then afterwards, notice how you feel after you’ve spent time outside in the fresh air, accomplishing small tasks and spending quality time with your loved ones. What does the fresh air do to your mood? How does it help with your sleep at night and your overall sense of joy? Take notice and look for opportunities to do a little more of it.
Do this every day. Maybe just once a day to start. It’s a practice, just like everything else that’s worthwhile. Eventually, it shouldn’t feel like burden.
Helpful resources
Here are a few resources to help you along your journey to better health and wellness. The focus on a healthy and active lifestyle has never been more important than it is right now.
Books:
https://sinkintosleep.com/ “Sink Into Sleep” - Dr. Judith Davidson
https://jamesclear.com/ “Atomic Habits” - James Clear
https://brenebrown.com/ “The Gifts of Imperfection” - Brene Brown
https://www.positiveintelligence.com “Positive Intelligence”- Shirzad Chamine
https://www.allenandunwin.com/ “How to talk so kids can learn at home and school” - Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Apps:
Guided Meditation and Mindfulness – The Headspace App: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app
Noom Weight Loss: https://www.noom.com
Mindshift: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/mindshift-cbt-anxiety-canada/id634684825
MyFitnessPal: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/apps
Nike Training Club: https://www.nike.com/ntc
Calm App: https://www.calm.com
YouTube:
Yoga with Adrienne - https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Cosmic Kids Yoga - https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
Blogilates - https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates
Fitness Blender - https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender
PopSugar Fitness - https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit
Podcasts:
Going Beyond the Food Show – Stephanie Dodier: https://www.stephaniedodier.com/podcast-episodes
Unlocking Us – Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/podcast/introducing-unlocking-us
Hurdle – Emily Abbate: www.eabbate.com/hurdle-podcast
Feel Better, Live More – Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/feel-better-live-more-with-dr...
The Not Perfect Podcast – Poppy Jamie: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-perfect-podcast-with-poppy-jamie/id1482765009
Habit Formation – Ravi Dhangar: https://anchor.fm/ravindra-sapkal/episodes/How-to-avoid-distractions-ee0kn7
Websites:
Nova Scotia Health - free online wellness programs: https://library.nshealth.ca/c.php?g=716572&p=5125616
Canadian Mental Health Association - includes free online programs for mental health, with additional supports for frontline healthcare workers: https://cmha.ca
Anxiety Canada - free online courses, groups, and resources: https://www.anxietycanada.com
Diet Doctor - online resources for low carbohydrate eating: www.dietdoctor.com
Wellness Together Canada - free mental health and substance use support: https://ca.portal.gs
Inkblot Therapy - online counselling covered by most private drug plans: https://inkblottherapy.com
Dr. Amanda MacDonald, MD, CCFP, is a family physician with the Windsor Collaborative Practice. Dr. MacDonald is married and has two children. Her family is her biggest inspiration.