It’s a crazy time to be a human. Adjusting and adapting to a global pandemic is exhausting, and there is no rule book to tell us how to do it. Many of our personal injury and mass tort clients have shared their struggles with our legal teams, and we understand that an already difficult situation is compounded by injuries, illness, medical bills, and the financial stresses created by loss of income.
Even those whose income or health has not been affected by COVID-19 are struggling with mental and emotional exhaustion from the energy and uncertainty of the world around us. If you are feeling any of the below symptoms of emotional and mental exhaustion, you are not alone.
11 Signs of Emotional Exhaustion:
- Uncharacteristic anger.
- Overwhelming fear about finances, health, or loss of services for you or those you love.
- Lack of motivation to do even the things you most enjoy.
- Anxiety or panic attacks.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs to cope.
- Lack of patience.
- Stomach problems.
- Inability to engage emotionally in experiences that would normally elicit emotion; feeling empty.
- Uncharacteristic crying.
If you are feeling any or all of these signs of emotional exhaustion, you are not alone. In fact, chances are good that others around you are having the same experiences.
The most important thing you can do is to be honest with yourself and others about the feelings you’re having. What you’ll likely find is that, not only are you having a completely normal reaction to events and situations that none of us could have prepared for, but you may also help those you care about feel validated for feeling the same way.
Mental health issues have a way of being swept under the rug in our culture. We’ve come to accept that depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic mental illness are somehow shameful or weak, but some of the strongest people are those who have the courage to ask for help.
We’ve learned from decades of serving clients who have experienced devastating losses that mental health struggles are just as real as physical problems. If you are experiencing a crisis, there is help. You are not alone. In fact, there are so many people who struggle that people have dedicated their lives to helping.
Feeling overwhelmed? There is help. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Here are some additional resources:
- Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
- The Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
- Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
If you are looking for a healthcare provider who can assist with substance abuse or mental health issues, the following links and numbers are helpful:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
- Treatment Services Locator Website
- Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centers
