COVID -19 ANXIETY MANAGEMENT BLAST SERIES
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #1
BEWARE OF THE INCESSANT SCROLLING!
Scanning headlines, flicking channels and scrolling Facebook? A constant stream of exposure about Coronavirus can keep us in a heighten state of anxiety….. Not to mention… the exposure of incorrect facts, misinformation and everyone else’s opinions and fear based thinking.
Instead…. STOP scrolling but stay informed
Be mindful about the Facebook groups you are following and the news articles you are reading….. are they REALLY helpful?
Instead stay informed with credible sources such as:
Australian Government Department of Health
And
World Health Organization
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #2
WATCH OUT FOR RABBIT HOLES!!
Don’t be like Alice and fall down a rabbit hole…. The rabbit hole of WORRY….
You know the one….
The one filled with …
What If’s…..
Mind reading
Catastrophizing …..
Making assumptions……
And worse case scenarios
I am NOT saying be ignorant…….NO be informed and be prepared
Just keep in mind that:
1: We often OVERESTIMATE the likelihood of something happening
2: We often OVERESTIMATE how bad things might be if they do happen
3: We often UNDERESTIMATE our ability to cope with them if they do happen
In times of uncertainty and unpredictability we are far more likely to feel anxious and stressed and it is VERY easy to fall down the rabbit hole of worry…. we should stay informed and plan…. Be PROACTIVE not REACTIVE
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #3
PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCING BUT STAY CONNECTED
The term social distancing does not mean social isolation….. In fact ….. think of it more like Physical Distancing….
In times of uncertainty and anxiety we need to maintain social connections….. This might just look a bit different.
Work meetings becomes Skype meetings
Playgroups become virtual playdates
Friday night drinks now become FaceTime Drinks
Remember the times of pen pals??
And ….Therapy sessions become online sessions …. With the added benefit of wearing comfy pants….:)
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #4
ACTION!
Taking appropriate, proactive action toward prevention helps to keep anxiety at bay. Taking action helps us feel more in control of the things we have control over.
The World Health Organization recommends a number of protective measures against the coronavirus, including to:
- wash your hands frequently
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- stay at home if you begin to feel unwell until you fully recover
- seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or experience breathing difficulties.
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #5
TAKE TIME TO FIT YOUR OWN OXYGEN MASK…
Whether or not you like it… The saying “You Can’t Take Care of Others Unless You Take Care of Yourself First” rings true…. Especially now, in this time of uncertainty.
Everyone is different when it comes to self care, you just need to find what works for you and make sure you do it!
Examples:
- maintaining good social connections and communicating
openly with family and friends - making time for activities and hobbies you enjoy
- keeping up a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet,
exercising regularly, getting quality sleep and avoiding the use
of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to cope with stress - practising relaxation, meditation and mindfulness to give your
body a chance to settle and readjust to a calm state.
COVID-19 – ANXIETY MANAGEMENT – BLAST #6
REACH OUT
If you feel that the stress or anxiety you or your child experience as a result of the coronavirus is impacting on everyday life, a psychologist may be able to help.
Psychologists are highly trained and skilled in providing effective interventions for a range of mental health concerns, including stress. A psychologist can help you manage your stress and anxiety using techniques based on the best available research.
It can be tempting to put things like your mental well being on “hold” during times of stress. However, the opposite is true. This is the time to ensure you are receiving to best possible support for your emotional and mental health.
Many Psychologist are now offering psychology services via secure online platforms or telephone so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.
Stay Safe, Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands… We are all in this together
Melissa Johnson
Psychologist | Mindset Coach | Keynote Speaker
Melissa Johnson, is an experienced clinician and the director of Thriving Minds Psychology Clinic based in the heart of the beautiful Sunshine Coast, QLD. Melissa has extensive experience treating a full range of clinical conditions including: anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, bipolar, trauma and PTSD, obsessive disorders and pain management. Melissa has a special interest in postnatal adjustment, anxiety, stress, professional burnout and behaviour change and habit formation. She works with families in the perinatal period who are trying to conceive, progressing through pregnancy and adjusting to a new born baby. And with busy professionals experiencing chronic stress and anxiety, burnout and struggling to establish the elusive work life harmony. She is passionate about using her skills and experience to educate and inspire and create long term change both in therapy and as a writer and keynote speaker.
If you would like to book an appointment with Melissa you can call our clinic on P: 0428 088 671 or email on admin@tmpclinic.com.au
