We are repeatedly reminded to wash our hands, stay home, cough in our sleeve! But, we aren’t hearing a lot about how to protect our mental health during this whirlwind we are experiencing. Everyone will cope with these challenging times differently. Some of us can watch the news and the case updates, while others may experience anxiety. The uncertainty that comes with the coronavirus outbreak is one of the hardest things, because we like certainty. Things feel unstable right now and we just don’t know what tomorrow brings. For those of us who have a history of dysfunction and uncertainty, times like this may worsen our response. We may return back to times when we felt unsafe and life was chaotic. It is important to remember there are things you can control and moving backwards is not helpful.
Here are a few tips to help you take care of your mental health:
Remember, there are things you can control, and things you cannot control. Focus on the areas you can control. You can play a big role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Avoid checking the updated statistics. Stop following the news so closely if it brings you anxiety.
Keep in touch with your therapist. Just because the office has closed, does not mean you cannot have a session. Teletherapy is trending and entails meeting with your therapist through a safe videoconferencing-type platform. Check with your therapist to see if they are offering this service.
Just because we have to stay home does not mean we cannot go outdoors. We still need sunshine and activity. Take a walk. Take a hike. Play catch with the kids. The sun and activity will make you feel better.
Practice mindfulness. When you start to worry bring yourself back to the present moment. Observe what is around you now.
Use relaxation techniques when you start to feel stressed. Take deep breaths in and slow breaths out.
Take time to journal your thoughts and feelings. Talk to family/friends so you don’t start to feel lonely. Reach out if you feel overwhelmed, scared, or anxious.
Be creative. I have family who are having gatherings through video apps. They seem to have a lot of fun. Netflix added a feature where you can watch a movie/show together from different houses.
Distract yourself. Take this time to finish projects that you never have time for.
Overall, just do your best to take care of your physical and mental health needs. Try your best to have a positive outlook and know that things will get back to how they were. Focus on what you can control and practice the above tips for a healthier way of coping during these hard times.
It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.
–Doe Zantamata
4745 Old Road 37, Lakeland, FL
(863) 608-9392
lakelandcounselors@lakelandcounselors.com