Masks, Ventilators, Stress, Oh My! | 4 Tips for Managing Stress & Coronavirus Chaos

“What the h*** is going on?” my client said as she burst into tears during our TelaHealth video session.

As a therapist, I’ve heard versions of this question daily for the last three weeks. Parents are stressed with homeschool responsibilities; first responders are overwhelmed with lack of resources; children are restless with in-home restraints; high school seniors are angry that graduation and prom are cancelled; single-moms are struggling to provide food and conduct home-school requirements; domestic violence occurrences are increasing; businesses are closing; and the world is on lock-down. What the heck is going on?

COVID-19 cases are increasing, and deaths are, too. This information is enough to cause fear, stress, and panic. So, what should we do? Get informed and follow expert guidelines for protection.

According to CDC reports:

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Remember, we must do our part in following the suggested guidelines for protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities.

When faced with shocking realities like COVID-19, it can shake our sense of security and evoke a feeling of being unsafe. Our stress levels may rise, and feelings of fear may increase based on external factors that are out of our control.  These feelings are completely normal, but it’s important to know how to handle them.

1.     Understand everyone responds differently. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to respond. It’s important to acknowledge your emotions and tell yourself what you’re feeling is OK.

2.     Talk with your loved ones. It is important to process your emotions instead of letting them build up. Be sure to take the time to talk with a loved one about your fears, your thoughts, and your mindset regarding today’s COVID-19 attacks. Also, be sure to ask your loved ones their thoughts and emotions. This allows you to process emotions and grieve in a healthy manner as well as realize you are not alone in your fears and reservations for the future.

3.     Limit media exposure. When a major pandemic strikes, it is reported on every media outlet and the topic of many conversations. While being aware of this pandemic is important and necessary, repetitious thinking of fearful experiences can overwhelm your nervous system and make it harder to think clearly. Yes, it is important to know what is going on in the world around you and keep updates on how your fellow citizens are doing, however, do not let the media saturate your life. Be sure to take a social media break and turn off the news and do something you love like reading a good book and going for a walk. By doing this you will not let your brain become obsessed with the matter and in turn raise your anxiety levels to an unhealthy level.

4.     Connect with your community in a creative way. The COVID-19 outbreak has triggered feelings of shock and grief that has been felt globally. However, we as a community still have to move forward. Virtually connect with your loved ones and neighbors, or organize an activity for your community that can provide a forum for support

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with managing emotions during these times of uncertainty, please contact a therapist near you.

Author: Dr. Jada Jackson LMHC, LPC, NCC

Dr. Jada Jackson  LMHC, LPC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor – State of Florida

Licensed Professional Counselor – State of Texas

Author, Talk Show Host, Life Coach, Communicator

info@jadajackson.com | jada@totallifecounseling.com

Jada’s Website:  www.jadajackson.com

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Total Life Counseling Center – Dallas/Ft.Worth 5050 Quorum Dr. #700 7th Floor Dallas, TX 75254 (469) 757-5215

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