Hey Everyone:
I wanted to reach out to you again to let you know we are all thinking about those that may be extra stressed. We are here for you. Our hope is we continue to be a source of calm and healing even in these uncharted waters.
Yes, this is highly unusual. If you’re having an emotional response to all that is happening right now, that is completely normal. You are having a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. It is probably best to acknowledge your rising anxiety and your increased depression so that you can deal with it.
Feeling Anxious?
I want to encourage everyone to practice self-care. Be extra aware of your anxiety and feelings of worry. If you are feeling overwhelmed, I want to suggest the following:
Turn off the TV or limit your news consumption. There is a big difference between staying informed and letting the media send you into a panic. Take a break!
Limit your time on social media. There is a lot of information out there with some of it good and some of just plain wrong.
Call a supportive friend or relative who will understand that you are struggling with anxiety and not someone who feeds your anxiety.
Be extra good to yourself. Your emotional response to all this uncertainty is normal. You are having a normal reaction in an abnormal situation. Sip tea, nap, take a long hot bath with candles, some Ben and Jerry, soothing music, a few episodes of something on Netflix (maybe not a zombie movie!) whatever self-care looks like to you is perfectly OK.
Call your counselor. Need and little extra support? No problem. We get it and we are here for you.
Feeling Sad?
What if you are feeling an increase in your depression symptoms? That is also a very normal response to your system being overloaded. Just like you need to be extra vigilant about the foods you feed your body during stressful times, you need to be extra vigilant about the thoughts you feed your stressed brain. Here are a few tips for that.
1. Let others help. Your friends and family really do want to help. I know your depression tells you that you are a burden or a bother. You are not. People honestly want to do what they can to help. That may mean talking/ texting with you. Help others by letting them help you!
2. I get it. We do need to practice physical isolation or distancing, but let’s not let that mean you isolating yourself completely. Pay attention to not let your alone time turn you into a complete hermit.
3. Do what you already know will help. You know that an increase in physical activity (like a walk around your block) eating healthy foods (most restaurants are still delivering) taking your medication (some drugstores like CVS and Walgreens will deliver your medications) all help manage your symptoms. Continue to do those things.
4. Also, be extra compassionate to yourself. If that means a bit of indulgence, then, by all means, do that.
5. Call your counselor. We are here for you. Make an extra appointment today!