MAINTAINING & SUPPORTING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH WHILE COPING WITH COVID-19, ONLINE THERAPY AVAILABLE

These last several weeks have been the most emotional and tumultuous, changing what we have considered the normal rhythm of our lives.

We are receiving new updates by the minute regarding how transmission of Covid-19 occurs, numbers of people affected and the importance of social distancing.

It is a fluid situation and restrictions are being put in place as to where we can go and what we can do

We are having to adjust to a new normal as we take individual responsibility for slowing the transmission of this virus. 

So of course, you are feeling anxious! Of course, you are worried and feeling a bit lost. 

Of course, you are deeply concerned that you or a loved one may get sick. 

Of course, it is difficult to imagine how you will continue your children’s school lessons now that they are home.  

Of course, if you live alone you may wonder how to maintain your connections to your friends and family and how to combat the feelings of loneliness.

Of course, you have anxiety about your finances and how you will manage over the long haul.

Of course, you are feeling that so much has been taken out of your control.

This challenging time can bring on a sense of being overwhelmed, increased fear, anxiety. 

And for those of you who already experience depression and or anxiety this current situation can elevate your symptoms. 

This new normal came upon us quickly. Life can feel chaotic because we are adjusting and have not quite yet gotten into a new rhythm with our days. 

Yet, there is much we have control over and as a result can take charge of our lives in several ways to help weather this storm and alleviate our unease and worry. 

1.     Acknowledge your fears. Share your feelings and concerns with friends and family. We are all in this together. Periods of anxiety, fear and worry are normal. We have to talk about how we are feeling so that we don’t let our anxiety get the best of us. You are not alone. I can guarantee that most people are feeling similarly to you.

2.     Limit the amount of time you listen to the news or read articles about Covid-19. Stay informed as that can help you to feel in control. But balance the input of information by engaging in alternative activities and taking a break from the news.

3.     Stay busy and as active as you can. Any type of exercise, whether it be walking or following an online program is essential to decrease your stress levels and maintain your mental and physical well-being.

4.     Meditation and visualization can be helpful calming strategies. If you are not already practiced at this, there are several mediation apps that can guide you. Jon Kabat-Zin who created the Mindfulness Stress Reduction Program has many free YouTube videos to view. Getting into a routine of meditating, even if just for a few minutes in the morning and before you go to bed will help greatly. 

If mediation does not appeal to you, simply taking five slow deep breathes in and out can calm your body and slow your heart rate.

5.     Help someone who may be alone and more vulnerable. Leave food outside or supplies that they may not be able to get for themselves. Offer to run an errand for someone who may be at high risk or immunocompromised

6.     Stay in touch through social media, phone calls to your friends and loved ones. Take time to call a friend, set up a group chat call with family. Call someone who may be alone and feeling lonely.

7.     Make a quarantine stay at home to do list. If you have areas of your home that you’ve wanted to organize or clean out, now is a good time. Pursuing hobbies that you might not have had time for could bring joy during this time. Playing games with the family, baking and cooking. Looking through old photo albums are just a few ideas to consider.

At a time like this it is also not uncommon to find yourself resorting to old coping strategies that do not necessarily make you feel any better. Or you may find yourself short on patience. It is normal to have increased anxiety. Yet in these challenging times, there are strategies as noted above that can help you achieve a balance. 

If some of the suggestions discussed are not helping to calm your unease, it can be beneficial to speak with a therapist who will give you space to share your feelings and concerns and  can support you in developing adaptive and healthy ways to cope with this everchanging situation that we are currently in.

Given the changing landscape of how we are able to communicate I am providing Online Therapy as a way to support my current, past and new clients.  Your emotional well-being matters to me. 

Please contact me if you have questions as to how online therapy works or would like to schedule a consult.

This crisis will pass. We will get through this together and you certainly don’t have to go through this alone.