While the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) is most often regarded as a physical health concern, it certainly creates deep impacts for our emotional and mental health. Emotional reactions are common and expected as the world tries to grapple with uncertainty and prevention efforts. At Snowline Counseling, we want you to have a place to process these responses in a safe and supportive environment. In considering how to support your own mental health during this time, we would like to put forth the following recommendations (some of which are adapted from WHO, CDC, and NIH):
1. Stay informed, not overwhelmed: during times of crisis, information can be ever-present, and at times confusing or contradictory. Diving into the media reports can provide useful strategies for enhancing safety but may also be emotionally draining. It can be helpful to stick to specific sources of information (such as the CDC or WHO websites) and limit how often you check for updates.
2. Isolation can exacerbate mental health conditions: while it is essential to follow public health guidelines for limiting social and community interactions at this time, it is also important to recognize the need for human interaction and recreation. It can be helpful to find low-risk ways of connecting with others, perhaps via phone calls, video chat, or in open-air settings while practicing social distancing.
3. Children may also experience fear and confusion: talking to children about the current state of things in very clear and direct ways can help to ease some of their concerns. Children are extremely perceptive and are certainly aware when a crisis is occurring. Staying calm, providing reassurance, and being available for questions and processing can help ease children’s worries. It can also be helpful to explore appropriate sources of information with adult supervision and limit the continuous exposure of children to information in a similar fashion to what was recommended above. Awareness of behaviors that can help to maintain health and prevent the spreading of illness can allow children to gain a sense of control and agency. Children should also have access to safe, socially connecting activities to reduce anxiety prompted by isolation. For more guidelines, the following article may be helpful: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
4. Keep up with your mental health practices: whether it is getting exercise, feeling productive, doing mindfulness, or engaging in mental health counseling services – now is the time to maintain your mental health and wellness routines. The same goes for children who may be comforted by structure and schedules and may further benefit from speaking with a mental health therapist. It may also be wise to check in with yourself and be aware of signs that you or your children are struggling with the emotional toll of the current events. Sudden changes in behavior and physiological signs of stress (headache, stomachache, muscle tension, irritability, tearfulness, increased use of substances, difficulty concentrating, etc.) may indicate a need to seek professional help or increase self-care behaviors.
During these times, please know that the clinicians at Snowline Counseling are here to support you in all the ways that we can. For current clients, please reach out if you are in need of additional sessions or need more resources. For new clients or those who are unsure of what support they may need, we are happy to initiate phone consultations with you and connect you with other providers and services as needed. Services that we provide which may be of particular help at this time include:
Career transition and work-related counseling
Child therapy services
Parent consultation and therapy
Health counseling
Trauma-focused approaches
Family counseling