Dealing with Depression During COVID-19

LCA News and Information

By Diane Cerven, LPCC

Our entire world has changed as we hunker down during this pandemic in order to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and others safe. This change was unexpected and far-reaching. What we were doing a couple months ago and even last year at this time has been altered for safety. Changes in our environment affect our mental health.

picture of a question mark

What are some of the things that you can do to better your mental health? Here’s a list of important things to help alleviate depression symptoms.

  • Talk with someone – During this crisis our normal routines have been completely disrupted. For some they are doing at home schooling, not going to work or social activities. Isolation is a symptom of depression that we need to combat. Are you taking the time to connect with important people in your life including family and friends? Zoom, messenger, facetime, and phone calls are all important for connection. Perhaps join online chat groups or communities to connect with others. There are many ways to connect, find them and make it a priority.
  • Move – gyms and community centers are closed at this time but we can go outside. Find the time of day that works best for you and make it a priority. Getting into nature is another benefit that will help your depression. We all have been told how doing exercise alleviates depression symptoms this is still true during our quarantine. Find things that you like to do that will get you moving. You can also move in the house, YouTube has so many in home exercise videos you can choose from. (for other ideas or more information go to: https://lakecountryassociates.com/exercise-mental-health/ )
  • Make a Plan for the Day – Lack of motivation to do things is another symptom of depression. To combat this schedule activities to get done. Get out of bed at a regular time and plan to accomplish even just one thing during the day. There are many things that need to be done in our homes, yards (maybe even do some planting), and sheds/garages. Tackle a project even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Eat healthy – Many of us have chosen to eat more convenience food during this time. Make a change to healthy options. Our food choices affect how we feel because it’s the food that our body is running off of. At this time make small and healthy changes to your diet, or change back to your healthier options if you moved to unhealthy choices. This is an important point in our overall well being. (more information can be found here: https://lakecountryassociates.com/mental-health-and-healthy-eating/ )

There are many things that we can focus on to help us decrease our depression symptoms during this time. Of course you may need a professional counselor to help you even more. You are not alone as many have chosen to get extra help. Call our office if you would like to make an appointment at 218-366-9229 for Park Rapids or 218-444-2233 for Bemidji. We are doing telehealth counseling appointments at least through June 2020 or longer as is safest for our staff and clients. For more information on telehealth go here: https://lakecountryassociates.com/telehealth/

Let’s take care of ourselves and by taking care of ourselves we can take care of others. No matter what is going on around us, you are always a priority.

Many blessings,

Diane Cerven, LPCC

Previous
LCA Welcomes Paula Ocampo, ARMHS Practitioner
Next
A Guide to LCA Virtual Groups and Drop-in Hours

Feedback from LCA clients:

Our counselor wanted to meet our entire family to find out how to better help our son.  She offered lots of suggestions and things to help us in the long term.

I found scheduling flexible to my needs.

My counselor helps me out when I need it most.  I can always count on them to say the right things, even when I don't want to hear it.

Her thoughtfulness and her knowledge of helping people with depression is what I need to achieve my goals!

I had a person to talk with about my problems and my problems are getting better.

She's thinking through things with me instead of just giving directions.  It shows that she cares.

I love coming to LCA.  Everybody is so friendly and make you feel so much better.

Talking with my therapist is helping, instead of holding it all in.

They gave me hope for the future.  Life saving.

I have a great therapist.  I appreciate her assistance!

It is a very comfortable atmosphere.  Everyone is flexible and understanding!

Easy to get to.  Very friendly people willing to help.

They matched me with the perfect therapist!

The staff members are always well informed and ready to help/answer questions.

My son and daughter are making steps toward our family goals!

Very welcoming place.  We love our therapist!

The receptionist knew my name after the second visit...very friendly!

I love the comfortable feel in the office.

My therapist is great!  Of all the therapists we've had over the years, she understands our family and kids the best.  Very helpful!

The receptionist staff have been amazing.  They are friendly and caring.  You can tell they enjoy their job.

Easy to work with.  Made me feel comfortable!

My children's counselors are awesome.  I've seen huge progress in both my kids.

They were open to my opinion of which counselor I see.

Everyone was very helpful.  I'm glad I called to get help!

All the staff were friendly and helpful.  They answered all my questions.

My therapist understands my child's needs and listens.

Quick and easy to get an appointment.  Friendly, helpful staff.

My child's therapist is awesome!  So helpful and relates well to the whole family.

My therapist was very, very kind and is an awesome problem solver.

Good location, feels very professional and confidential!

They work with your schedule and do whatever they can to help you.

I appreciate the text/phone reminders.

Location is great and the staff is excellent with customer service.  Therapy is also professional and comfortable.

Friendly and helpful atmosphere.  Feel at ease walking in.

Listens to both my child and me.  Getting us through some very difficult times with care and compassion.

My therapist is a life saver! :-)

I like that the staff are flexible with scheduling.

The staff have good attitudes and open minds.

When we come in for an appointment, the reception staff always has a friendly smile on her face.

The front desk staff had a positive attitude and was patient with me.

Therapy at LCA has helped my progress immensely!

The appointment times work well with my schedule.  My children get along well with their therapists.

You are all warm, welcoming and so very helpful!  Thank you!!

Meeting with my therapist has been making my life and relationships a lot less stressful.

My ARMHS staff is awesome!  She has helped me make progress in many areas of my life.  I have better relationships now.

I am so thankful I was directed here!

I always feel that my therapist is listening to what I have to say and helping me come up with practical ways to deal with things.

I'm so appreciative of my therapist's knowledge, skill and understanding.

Easy to work with.  You can tell they genuinely care about their clients.

Greatly appreciate having the option of Christian Counseling and being able to filter issues through that lens!

I appreciated being treated normally, even though I was getting help with a difficult situation.

Resources

LCA Brochure

April Cottage Activities Calendar

Community Resource List 1.8.24

All Forms and Downloads

Office Hours

Park Rapids Office

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Wednesday
    8:00 to 7:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 1:00

Bemidji Office

  • Monday – Thursday
    8:00 to 5:00
  • Friday
    8:00 to 12:00

Menahga Office

  • Open by appointment

LCA offices may be closed over the noon hour. 

Important Numbers

Park Rapids Office Phone:
218-366-9229

Bemidji Office Phone:
218-444-2233

Menahga Office Phone:
218-564-9229

LCA Fax Number (all offices):

218-237-2520

24-Hour Crisis Line:
800-422-0045

LCA News and Information