How to combat COVID-19 pandemic fatigue, according to a licensed Kalamazoo psychologist
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, medical professionals said many Americans were feeling pandemic fatigue.
News Channel 3 spoke to licensed psychologist Pamela Mairs with Child & Family Psychological Services in Kalamazoo who said people are stressed and exhausted having to deal with the changes to our daily lives over the last two years.
"Pandemic fatigue is both an individualized experience and the experience our entire society is having right now," Mairs said.
As a result, Mairs said there’s been an increase in requests for mental health services.
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"We see a lot of depression, anxiety. We see irritability, we see fear and grief, especially if people are coping with the loss of loved ones. They may be also grieving a change in job or loss of a job situation," Mairs said.
According to the American Psychological Association, 74% of U.S adults report experiencing impacts such as headaches, feeling overwhelmed, fatigue and changes in sleeping habits as a result of stress from the pandemic.
In her practice, Mairs said many patients reported a lack of motivation, low energy levels and an overall state of not feeling well.
To combat pandemic fatigue, Mairs said developing a self-care tool kit is key.
She said the basics of eating well, exercising, and getting fresh air and adequate sleep can go a long way.
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Mairs said safely spending time with friends and family can also improve our mental health.
She suggested seeking out help early. If things like depression and anxiety go untreated, Mairs said, they become much more difficult to treat.
If you’re feeling any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, Mairs said it’s time to reach out to a doctor, therapist, medical professional or even clergy member to get help.
For more tips and resources on how to deal with pandemic fatigue, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
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