How to cope with COVID-19 social distancing? Tips from a licensed therapist in Long Beach.
In times of crisis, I think it is important to remember Mr. Rogers’ advice: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
WAYS PEOPLE ARE HELPING:
(1) There are doctors, nurses, grocery workers and other people in our community that are putting their life on the line so that people can get the healthcare treatment they need and the food they need to survive.
(2) Ford, General Motors, Tesla and a couple of other car companies have announced that they will be revamping their manufacturing to make it possible for them to make ventilators. It might take a couple of months, but it is important to remember how people and companies are pulling together to help in this time of need.
(3) Tech companies are helping the government compile data necessary to figure out how to combat COVID-19.
(4) BOTH political parties are working together to try to put out a stimulus package to help people in need. NOPE, THAT WASN’T A TYP-O. I know there are a lot of criticisms on both sides, but how often do you see democrats and republicans working together?
I know these things don’t completely take the fear of getting sick away, the loneliness of being away from your support network or being overwhelmed from being with family 24/7 with no break, but it is a start.
WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED:
(1) Look up at the clear sky – See how much clearer it is without people on the road?
(2) Take 10 deep breaths and then name 3 things you see, 3 things you can touch and 3 things you can hear. This can help to reset your parasympathetic nervous system and help you stay calm and “in the moment”.
(3) Call a friend and experiment with facetime, skype, google hangouts, etc. Try getting a group of friends to play a board game together. One of you can have the game at your house and move peoples pieces around. Have a virtual happy hour with your friends. Rotate with your friends so that one of you makes a recipe (make sure all of you have the ingredients that you need) and the other people follow along on facetime/skype.
(4) Call a therapist to make an appointment. We can provide therapy to anyone in California via phone/online teletherapy. Give us a call at 562.310.9741.