Getting through COVID-19

Feeling unsettled can be scary. For those who already struggle with anxiety and depression, new fears can exacerbate these emotions.  Millions of people across the globe are experiencing changes in their lives related to COVID-19 aka the Corona virus. Some of you may be working from home or forced to stay at home with your children while schools are closed, and the stores shelves are empty.  These disruptions to our routine can make all of us feel uneasy but there are ways to help us cope with stress and anxiety while we navigate through this time of uncertainty.
Here are some tips to help you get through this tough time:

• Know you are not alone
• Fear and uncertainty are a natural response to things that we do not understand.  When you are feeling extra anxious, sad, or overwhelmed know that there are millions of people feeling the same feelings. Talk to your friends and/or family and share your concerns.  Hearing others have the same concerns can help put your fears in to perspective and make them more manageable.
• Limit your media time
• While it is important to stay informed, it is equally important to limit your viewership and readership. If you're reading an article online, ask yourself if the source is a reliable news source or if its possibly click bait. Take social media time outs, limit debates, and reading negative posts. 
• Stick to a routine
• Your typical routine may have changed, especially if you are now working from home, but there is a great value in developing a new routine and sticking to it. Following a routine can be very calming, especially when it feels like there is a lot of uncertainty around you. If you are telecommuting, take breaks, eat proper meals, continue your exercise routine, make sure you continue on a regular sleep schedule.  Do not work outside of the hours that you would normally work engage in your normal self-care routine.
• Look out for others
• While it may feel like you are not in control, you do still have power.  Focus your mind and efforts on the things that are within your control, such as cleaning your hands, avoiding close contact and keeping loved ones safe.  Neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers can provide some relief by sharing the experience.  Stay connected to others through text messages, facetime and regular phone calls to help yourself feel less isolated.
• Give mindfulness a try
• Not knowing what the future has in store is one of the main reasons people feel anxious. Focusing on the present moment can help alleviate some of that anxiety.  Practice mindfulness or meditation exercises.  These exercises encourage you to understand your feelings, in a soothing and personal way.  Youtube is a fantastic source for guided meditations and other videos that promote mindfulness.
• Find other things to talk about
• Utilize your support network.  Just be sure that you are reaching out to people who will give you support and not increase your stress.  Keep in touch with your friends and talk about other things like pop culture, so you are not just focusing on the negatives and amplifying each other’s stress and worry. 

If you find that your anxiety is interfering with your work, school, or relationships, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.  If you are already in treatment make sure to continue your appointments to help deal with the anxiety and depressive feelings that may come. Know that telehealth is available to you if you are self-quarantining or cannot go to a therapy appointment because the children are with you during the day.