COVID-19 Crisis: Managing Mental Health

How are you dealing with this moment of uncertainty? How is your mental health being impacted by this pandemic? What can you do to reduce stress and increase self-care?

Everyone responds differently to stress and stressful situations. Here are ways to help reduce the impacts of stress on your mental health.

• Take breaks from listening to news stories, including social media.  Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can increase stress levels
• Take care of your mind and body by exercising.  Even a walk around the block or quick stretch can do wonders.  Try to include extra fruits and vegetables, stretch, take deep breaths, meditate, get plenty of sleep, and limit or avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Try to engage in activities you enjoy such as reading or going for a walk. Take advantage of various concerts on YouTube, and streaming television shows.
• Stay connected with family and friends via phone or text. There are several platforms that now offer video chat options such as Skype, Facebook video messenger, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Instagram video chat.
• It’s important to keep a schedule and routine to maintain structure and normalcy during this time.
• Be kind to yourself.  While many people are taking on new hobbies there is also a great deal of shaming about not being productive.  Its important to remember that you are human and going through a trauma.  Give yourself permission to not be productive and take care of yourself.

We are here to help

• Multicultural Counseling Associates is currently accepting new clients on our secure and private virtual platform. At this time, we are offering services for adolescents and adults both in English and Spanish that are experiencing a variety of difficulties.   To make an appointment call Karen Rothstein Pineda, MA LCPC at 708-689-9814.