Effective Tips to “Keep It Together” When Times are Tough in a COVID-19 Era

Have you been thinking about getting a therapist and curious about how therapy works or if it is “right” for you? Today more than ever people are giving therapy a try due to heightened stress levels associated with COVID-19 and also the increased accessibility of online therapy. U.S. News and World Report list these signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 stress and anxiety:

• shortness of breath
• heart palpitations
• fear of talking to people
• panic shopping

In the video below, I review and explain psychological strategies for emotional coping.

These strategies can be helpful if you find that your normal coping behaviors are no longer “cutting it”, if your stress levels are abnormally high to you for too long, or if you had a pre-existing anxiety, trauma, or depression. These techniques can ALSO be effective if you are menopausal, living with a chronic condition such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or have other health condition that is worsened by stress. To review, the “FACE” acronym stands for (F)ocus on what is in your control, (A)cknowledging your thoughts and feelings, (C)oming back into your body, and (E)ngage in what you are doing. 

These strategies I share are based upon Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and references to work of expert psychologists and authors Russ Harris (The Happiness Trap) and Inna Khazan (Biofeedback and Mindfulness in Everyday Life). I hope that it is helpful! If you need more information, please contact me- I am here when you are ready.
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<3 Be well !
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Links and references from the video:
1) Russ Harris, PhD : https://thehappinesstrap.com/, Dr. Harris’ FACE COVID Information
2) Inna Khazan, PhD : dr.khazan.com, Dr. Khazan’s “Thoughts on Leaves” mindfulness audio file
3) Watching the News and Anxiety article