03/20/2020
These are...strange times we are living in, friends.
Many of you, or those you love, may be experiencing some stress, anxiety, depression, or just a sense of uncertainty while we navigate through these tense and unpredictable times. It’s easy to succumb to fear in the face of uncertainty and unpredictability.
Here are some suggestions to help manage your discomfort/cabin fever...in between washing your hands of course 😉
1. Limit where you get your information.
—> are you noticing your heart rate goes up when you turn on the TV? Scrolling through Facebook? Are you finding yourself glued to every news article and report on COVID-19? If so, take a break. Step back. Pick one (reliable) avenue to get your information and check it only a few times a day. Too much exposure to everyone’s opinions may only worsen any negative emotions you are experiencing.
2. Take up a hobby.
—> that puzzle that’s been sitting in the box since your Aunt gave it to you 3 Christmases ago? Take it out. Read a book. Try to cook something new. Bake. Color. Paint. Find that dusty trumpet in your basement storage and see if you can still play. Watch nature. Go for a walk around your neighborhood. Clean out the closet. Fix the sink and all the other little tasks you have been putting off. W**d the garden. Put some relaxing music on, or crank up the tunes and have a dance party. No one but your “roommates” will be judging you anyway 😉
3. Keep a schedule.
—> try to get out of bed at the same time every day, and go to bed at the same time. Routines are critical for feeling in balance and add stability and organization to an otherwise endless day. Have kids at home? They benefit from a schedule as well.
4. Speaking of kids...
—> children are exceptionally vulnerable to experiencing anxiety and stress during this time. Remember, they hear everything. They see everything. They are little sponges that soak up every aspect of their world around them. Even my 3 year old made a comment about “the sick people” to me today. I had no idea he had any clue why we were home together every day. Watch the information they are exposed to, check in with them. Ask them questions, and answer them honestly. It’s okay that we don’t have all the answers right now. It’s okay if Mom and/or Dad is a little anxious. Show them they can feel their feelings AND manage them. Also, this is a quick reminder to monitor all teenagers social media and internet access. Predators are also currently stuck in their houses with nothing else to do...
5. Be prepared, but don’t panic.
—> be smart. If you are low on TP and bottled water, go grab a pack. Don’t grab five. Leave some for others. Stock up on your essentials to limit unnecessary trips to the store, and leave out the items you don’t really need.
6. Check in on your neighbors and the elderly.
—> offer to drop off groceries on the front steps for your neighbor who has the newborn baby, or the 75 year old down the street. Call and check on Mom, Dad, Grandparents. They may be experiencing some loneliness while stuck inside.
7. Ask for help.
—> connect with friends online. FaceTime. Zoom. Reach out if you are feeling lonely or disconnected. Don’t forget, we at PeachTherapy are only a quick phone call or video chat away. Help is available.
8. Remember: this too shall pass.
—> don’t let your fear and anxiety become a pandemic, too. We will get through this, together. There will be a day when we are able to get back to some kind of normalcy. Until then try to slow down and soak in every minute this surprise stay-cation brings.
We are sending all of our clients thoughts for health and safety during this time. Please reach out to your counselor if you need them, and for anyone experiencing suicidal or life threatening thoughts, please call the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or go to your nearest emergency room for support.
Post by: Tara Falcone, LCPC
Child & Adolescent Therapist
