Words of Hope & Encouragement….
By Dr. Linda Dakwar, Psychologist, New Hope Mental Health, LLC
Are you overwhelmed with the unpredictability and changes in your life since the Coronavirus pandemic? You’re not alone! These are unprecedented times of uncertainty that naturally provoke stress. Like the rest of the world, your life may not resemble anything familiar. Everything has changed. Change can also be stressful because of its uncertainties. All facets of life are affected by these changes, including family, work, friends, and faith.
Stress, worry, and fear are normal feelings when you have these experiences. It’s what makes us human. Feelings are normal and healthy expressions of what we experience in life. It’s important to acknowledge them. However, how we respond to those feelings determine healthy living.
Consider these responses:
- Recognize what you can and cannot control. There are many things we cannot control, but there are many things we can. Focus on spending your energy and attention on what you can control. Otherwise, we can get more aggravated, anxious, and distressed. Refer to the Centers for Disease Control and the Ohio Department of Health for what you can do to protect you and your family.
- Be flexible and develop a new normal. Our lives are not usual or normal right now. Kids are homeschooled; work is brought home or lost; stores are closed or limited in supply; social organizations are cancelled... Change is difficult for some of us and can be overwhelming. Focus on one change at a time. Work together with your family members to create a new normal. Talking together creates opportunities to share ideas, take ownership and responsibility for decisions, and create bonds with each other. Be patient with yourself and others as you figure out these changes. Extend grace as everyone navigates and adjusts to changes. Embrace what is different and create your new normal.
- Provide security for your children. Children respond differently to changes and crises depending on their age, personality, maturity, and relationship with their parents. It is essential that adults in children’s lives establish a sense of normalcy and security through routines and connecting relationships. More information to come on parenting children during crises.
- Take time for self-care. Many of you are overwhelmed and busy trying to bring normalcy into your life. It is important to recognize your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you find your anxiety or depression is more than you can manage or getting worse, seek professional help! Many clinicians including I, offer telehealth, which enables you to have sessions over video or phone, so you don’t need to leave your home.
- Limit your access to social media. It is possible to experience information overload from spending too much time on the internet or reading/listening to other peoples’ opinions. Dwelling on information can lead to stress. Limit your time on social media. Read and listen to only credible sources.
- Maintain community. Connecting with others is a fundamental need we have as humans. We can connect with each other without being physically present. Technology has enabled us to remain connected through mobile devices and computers. Use them and all the various apps to intentionally remain connected with your friends and family. Text, call, email, and video chat sharing stories, prayers, and humor. “Stay at home” doesn’t necessarily mean social isolation!
- Laugh often. Laughter stimulates feel-good hormones called endorphins, which help us cope with pain and stress. Find ways to laugh and share joy with your friends and family. Read more about laughter and pain Laughter Treats Pain.
- Show love & gratitude. Each of us have been affected by this pandemic differently. Some have been more devastated than others. Consider how you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Be generous to show love and don’t withhold a positive comment or compliment. Many have made sacrifices to serve us from the checker at the grocery store, janitor at the clinic, or the healthcare provider. Take time to say thank you!
- Hope. This pandemic will end. There is no greater hope than to know that even though we do not have control of many things in this world, God does! He holds all things together (Colossians 1:15-17); He sees all of time (Revelations 1:8); He is faithful and trustworthy (Deuteronomy 7:9), He is a refuge (Psalm 91:1-2); He loves you (Jeremiah 31:3); He is a comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Disclaimer: This document came from New Hope Mental Health, LLC blog page. The purpose of this blog is for information and educational purposes and not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any mental health condition. The use of this website does not imply or establish any form of therapist-client relationship. It is not to take the place of therapy or counseling. Information obtained from this site is not intended to address any specific personal situation. If you would like to discuss how any information is relevant to you, please contact New Hope to schedule an appointment. This site may include links to other websites and resources and should be used for information and reference purposes only.