One mom. dealing with several ongoing challenges, said she hopes what she learned about coping will help others.
Cera Flynn has always tried to make mental health a priority, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it much harder to manage her anxiety and depression.
MORE: Tips on how to manage your mental health during COVID-19
Tips on how to manage your mental health amid COVID-19 pandemic
"COVID has definitely impacted our life in many ways," she said.
At one point, Flynn was caring for her husband who had COVID-19, their terminally-ill puppy and trying to help her twin boys learn remotely all while working fulltime as a teacher's coach.
"In the moment, I think I was definitely just feeling overwhelmed. I was exhausted, I was beyond exhausted," Flynn said. "I don't even know if I could say I was depressed. I was just so overwhelmed and exhausted that I didn't know what I was feeling to be honest."
At times, Flynn said she survived on auto pilot just trying to get through the day. But her psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic was quick to remind her that she needed to take care of herself, too.
Mental health experts share tips on how to cope amid COVID-19 pandemic
"She had an incredibly full plate and what we've worked on is for her to really try and balance it as best as she could while prioritizing her own needs without a feeling of guilt," Adam Borland, PsyD said.
Borland said deep breathing can help your mind get centered on the present. Take a few minutes to reset and focus on relaxing.
Being outdoors, even for a quick step outside, can help ground you. And talking to family or friends, just to vent, can be therapeutic.
"I will always tell people that talking to somebody, having that person, that safe person to talk to about what you're thinking and feeling is so important," Flynn said. "And not just for people who struggle with anxiety. In the world that we live in today, it's beneficial to anybody."