We are in the midst of so much uncertainty created by COVID-19 that nearly half of Americans report that COVID-19 is harming their mental health. A federal emergency hotline for people in emotional distress registers a more than 1000% increase in April 2020 compared to the same time last year. As sad as it sounds, this wave of mental injuries is not going away, and it is up to us individually to take control of our own mental health. In today’s podcast, Carrie Miller shares some tips on how you can reduce anxiety and depression. Feeling hunkered down? Tune in to this episode and learn how you can regain control of your mind.

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Listen to the podcast here:

The Mental Health Crisis: How To Reduce Anxiety And Depression

We are in the midst of so much uncertainty created by COVID-19 here in the US. I’ve got to ask, how are you feeling? If you’re anything like me, you’ve got information overload these days, watching and hearing things you never thought would be possible in the USA. I’m not talking about the disagreements over wearing a mask or not. I’m looking at the bigger picture, all the fighting and the corrupt institutions and organizations. The unlawful acts of violence, looting and destroying of innocent people’s property, homesteads and businesses that they’ve worked and sacrificed a lifetime for. I grew up in a small town where there was very little crime. We could play outside barefoot until mama called us home for dinner. There was no fear of abductions and there was no neighbor looking out their window to judge you whether or not you’re abiding by any rules or any laws. You sure didn’t get turned in for child abuse for spanking your kid. It’s not a crime to spank your child. At least we knew right from wrong and we turned out fine.

My parents raised us to the best of their ability and knowledge, and they stayed out of everyone else’s business. My daddy worked hard for a living and he came from Napa. Sometimes he’s working three jobs to support his wife and three kids in his twenties. We lived in a 900 square-foot home. My mom and daddy didn’t pamper us. They taught with tough love. I’ve raised my kids the same way. That’s something you rarely hear about nowadays. Our family had each other. We had food on the table, loyal friends who would die for you. We had a faithful pastor, Brother Tony, who loved his congregation unconditionally. He never missed a Sunday to share God’s word. I’ve got to have him on the show. I’d love to hear the wisdom that he would bring to the table. Life was simple and as far as we knew, life was good. We didn’t have anything to compare it to. There wasn’t any of that envious mindset that seeps into hearts. You might be sitting at home without a job now because millions are. Those of you who have, consider yourself beyond blessed. A paycheck is a necessity. If there isn’t no money, there’s no food on the table.

The Mental Health Crisis

Through this pandemic, you might have chosen to stay put in your home, hunkered down, and trolling that pantry every hour. I might know a little something about eating sugar and processed foods more than you ever have in years. Skipping the exercise or any physical activity for that matter saying, “I’ll just start back up tomorrow.” Maybe you’re not getting ample sleep because of worry and doubt. Many of you are not leaving your homes. I’ve been talking about isolation and disconnection long-term. It’s never good. There’s been a huge surge in the number of people with anxiety, depression, and suicides. Talk about a bigger issue here. It’s the biggest of them all, the mental health crisis. At this point in the game, my hope is that you are keenly aware of how devastating the after-effects of COVID have been and still continue to be.