Well, the sun is still shining. Spring is on its way-….and, we are nearly homebound as we continue to face CoVID-19.
So much is happening:
- You may be infected or a carrier, or know someone that is
- You may be home-bound, either voluntarily or by government
order
- Restricted from going to bars, restaurants, or any entertainment venues
- Home with the kids and likely in charge of helping the children understand why the crack-down, facilitating home-schooling options, making entertainment opportunities in the house, dealing with siblings’ conflicts, rule and chore enforcement, and household management
- All alone and isolated
- You are not able to see those that are vulnerable and elderly in nursing homes, assisted living, and those in senior living due to the risk of exposure
- You are either unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation or engaged in your employment, exposing you to the risk of infection or a carrier of such
- You are aware of many small venues closing their doors with their own financial losses due to a lack of customers
- You have lost much of your retirement or monies held in the stock market with a look at what life may now be like without that added cushion.
- You realize that life will not be the same once this has all passed.
So, how are most of us trying to deal with all of this?
- Stress is the new normal, for all of the reasons above
- Fear and worry about your health and the health of loved ones
- Sleeping and eating changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
- Panic reactions
- Catastrophizing further than what is warranted
- The sun is still shining; this too shall pass
So, what kinds of things can you do to support yourself:
- Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger. Of course, this is limited to phone, social media platforms or any other non-direct efforts
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can cause further anxiety and panic.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities and you are having difficulty functioning
- When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel better.
- And, remember; the sun is still shining.
Claudia A. Liljegren, MSW, LICSW
