Coping with Covid

Some information that may be helpful during this time from our team member, Kalen DeGroat, LCSW:

COVID 19 has undoubtedly changed the world, in what seems at times, in a short matter of overnight. It has caused uncertainty, fear, isolation, loss, grief and has presented numerous challenges to the lives that we once knew.

With fear and uncertainty, we often become anxious and begin searching for solutions, however if COVID 19 has taught us anything, it is that some things are out of our control, but what is within our control is how we respond and how we cope with the anxiety and other things that we are feeling. Below are a few things that you can do to help yourself during this time:

  1. Improve the Moment/Focus on what you can control-What is something that you can do right now/today to feel better? Read a book, FaceTime/Skype/Message a friend or a loved one, take a walk
  2. Contribute-Help yourself by helping others. Wave to the neighbor across the street, smile at others, check on elderly relatives, neighbors or friends to see where you might be able to be helpful.
  3. Be Mindful– Take note of how you are managing your own self-care. Be aware of how much time you are spending reading/watching/listening to the news-too much time spent doing these things can increase stress and anxiety.
  4. Build Mastery-Now may be good time to start a new project or get to something that you have been putting off; learn something new, or start a new hobby.
  5. Practice Acceptance-Recognize that the season that we are currently in is difficult; however, we are all navigating this together the best way we can. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is that you are feeling and allow others to do the same.