Dr. Samantha Morel March 22nd, 2020
My Response to COVID-19
Gosh, I have so much to say about this. I can see the impacts of this pandemic lingering in our society for years. From a physical and psychological health perspective, to financial and global moral– likely no facet of life will go untouched. Here are some of my thoughts to get through the critical times…. and once we do that, we can address the lasting impacts of COVID-19 at the individual, community, and global levels.
1) Expose yourself to credible sources of information about the virus, specifically how to keep yourself and your family safe. Are you getting your medical advice from physicians? Information about laws and state mandates from reputable news sources or your local representatives?
2) I personally prefer the term physical distancing to social distancing. I can do physical distancing, social distancing will hurt indefinitely.
3) Try to connect and invest in people now more than ever.
4) Know your limits on how much information you need vs what may be anxiety driven.
5) Keep an eye on screen time vs time engaged in the real world- this can easily get out of hand as we all begin to stay at home.
6) Teletherapy can be an excellent option to stay on top of your emotional and psychological health, while respecting the physical distancing guidelines.
7) Structure and routine will be crucial. Find what works for you and try to stick to it as best you can.
8) Talk to your kids about what’s going on. In a developmentally appropriate way- and one that does not scare them- share your feelings and responses to what’s going on. No matter how much one may think they are sheltering their kids from it- they are smarter than we give them credit for and they feel our stress.
9) Now is a great time to start a meditation practice. Headspace is one of my personal favorites, and they are offering some excellent resources for free right now.
10) If you or someone you know shows signs of stress for several days or weeks, get help by accessing Harris County’s COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line at 833-251-7544. The dedicated toll free number is available 24/7. The purpose of the line is to provide trauma informed support and psychological first aid to those experiencing stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19.
11. Remember… we are in this together, and the best (or perhaps only) way to get through this … is together.
More to come here, for sure. But like I’ve been telling my clients- At a time when it everything seems up in the air, please know that people are here to support you.
Stay well.
-Dr. Morel
P.S. – If you are ready to take next steps to take back your life through therapy, Contact Me.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
This is perhaps the best and most straightforward information I’ve seen on dealing with stress and anxiety– specific to COVID 19. Give it a look and let me know what you think!
