Michelle Obama Says She’s Dealing With ‘Low-Grade Depression’ Amid Quarantine



Enlarge this image

Michelle Obama said on her podcast that she’s been having trouble sleeping and has been feeling depressed. «Spiritually, these are not … fulfilling times,» she said. Obama is seen here in December 2019.

Vincent Thian/AP




hide caption

toggle caption

Vincent Thian/AP


Coronavirus Live Updates
‘Some Of The Greatest Causes Of Misery’: U.N. Warns Of Pandemic’s Mental Health Costs

So how is she coping with her feelings of depression?

In part, by being easier on herself. «I’ve gone through those emotional highs and lows that I think everybody feels, where you just don’t feel yourself,» she said. «And sometimes I’ve, there’ve been a week or so where I had to surrender to that, and not be so hard on myself. And say, you know what, you’re just not feeling that treadmill right now.»

And she’s also working out, getting outside, and sticking to a routine. For the Obama household that routine involves dinner together, thousand-piece puzzles, and endless games of cards.

«Barack has taught the girls Spades, and now there’s this vicious competition,» she says, adding that such moments wouldn’t have happened in normal times. «They wouldn’t have sat down, but for this quarantine, to learn how to play a card game with their dad.»


Life Kit
How To Get Therapy When You Can’t Leave The House

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees that the pandemic can indeed be stressful for many people, and it acknowledges that necessary public health actions, like social distancing, can make people feel isolated, lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.

But there are things you can do to manage stress during these difficult times. Among the CDC’s recommendations:

  • Get accurate information about what to do if you’re sick with COVID-19.
  • Take a break from the news.
  • Get exercise, try to eat healthy meals, try to get enough sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol or drug use.
  • Connect with others, and talk with people you trust about how you’re feeling.
  • Make time to do activities you enjoy, and let yourself unwind.
  • Learn where to get treatment or counseling, either in person or through telehealth services.

If you need help, seek it out. There’s a national helpline that offers 24/7 treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

  • depression
  • Michelle Obama



Комментарии 0

Оставить комментарий