Managing Stress During COVID-19,
March 18, 2020
Managing Stress During COVID-19
During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable.
Isolated days at home, fearful headlines, routines upended — these ongoing stressors can strain the mental health of even the most resilient among us.
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During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable. Isolated days at home, fearful headlines, routines upended — these ongoing stressors can strain the mental health of even the most resilient among us.
The CDC has issued important information about coping with anxiety during COVID 19:https://www.cdc.gov/ The following link also offers an extensive list of resources which is updated daily:https://adaa.org/ The upshot is this: Though we cannot be in community physically, we must find ways to partake in the succor of community, which is critical to our mental health. Also critical: exercise, quiet reflection, nourishing food, a sense of gratitude and wonder. This blog has some wonderful practical tips: https://lightonanxiety.com/ Helping others cope with stress can also make you and your community strong. We love this thought from neuroscientist Dr. Huda Akil, of our Depression Task Force: “There are many ways to do your part for the effort. It can be financial, but it also can be gestures that are not defensive (as in “I want to protect myself”) but generous even in small ways. For example, I decided to tell my cleaning service not to come for several weeks, but reassured them that I’d continue to pay them, since they really need the money at this difficult time. That is a small gesture, the money is already in my budget, but it felt right. “ |
 Remember, it is very important to reach out for help if your anxiety is reaching proportions that are unmanageable without professional help. One virtual resource to consider is: https://www.talkspace.com/. Also, many licensed psychologists are offering telehealth options over HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms: https://adaa.org/finding-help/ Finally, be kind to yourself. Slowing down and finding peace in the fact that you are doing your part to “flatten the curve” will certainly build resilience against the stressful situation the whole globe is experiencing.
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