In a recent study, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers investigated the anxiety and depression levels with folks this year.

In their investigation they discovered that more than 60 percent reported feeling depression, anxiety, nervousness, and a feeling like they cannot stop worrying about things. There have been several reports released this year indicating the same, that depression and anxiety levels are through the roof with millions. This has meant that many people are turning to drinking, cannabis, and other comforts like junk food and CBD, in an effort to try and ease their discomfort they've experienced over COVID-19.

Almost 70 percent report feeling uninterested or having no pleasure in doing things, and are just in general feeling down and hopeless.

Now, with more regions looking to initiate a second lockdown over the holiday season it might mean that many more are going to suffer on top of what they've already been going through. They will be unable to visit with friends and relatives, and experience a time together that might have brought them some comfort and joy this season. Getting together over Zoom just isn't the same.

This year millions of people have had their mental health experimented with as governments have moved to lockdown one region or another. And it isn't clear what the long-term implications of that are going to be.

The situation this year has worsened the mental health of many. Millions are uncertain about their living situation, they've been let go from their job, or they are facing some other unexpected trying circumstances. The government hasn't made it much easier, in many circumstances they've added a lot of confusion along the way and restrictions to liberty that have made people suffer even more than they might have had to otherwise.

Even for those who might have gotten sick this year and survived, they too have their own mental health risks to face. As one recent study suggested that COVID-19 might contribute to the onset of psychiatric disorders for those who suffered symptoms and survived COVID-19.

Now more than ever health experts insist that it is important to remember techniques and tools that can help to cope with the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. That might mean trying to maintain focus on one thing at a time so as not to become overwhelmed, or maybe it might mean doing something that eases anxiety like physical activity or meditation, prayer etc. It has been a challenging year for billions and trying to operate with some perspective, thinking about what you still have to be thankful for, might help to get you through the trying times that you're going through right now.

Get Out In Nature

One new study suggests that getting out into nature and spending some time outside can help to cope with the mental stress of this year, it might assist in mitigating those negative impacts from COVID-19. Daily exposure to greenery has been linked to longevity and a myriad of health benefits, and spending time outside around the trees and plants can offer more positive effect than you might even realize.

"Our results suggest that nearby nature can serve as a buffer in decreasing the adverse impacts of a very stressful event on humans,... Protecting natural environments in urban areas is important not only for the conservation of biodiversity, but also for the protection of human health." - lead author M. Soga, PhD, of The University of Tokyo.

The suicide rate in some regions is up more than 70 percent and this has prompted law enforcement to encourage people to reach out to and communicate with one another. You don't have to sit and suffer alone, there are many different tools and techniques, thousands of resources available to help those who are looking for it.

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