Keeping it Together at Home

The coronavirus has upended our lives, turning parents into teachers, closing shops and restaurants, and wreaking havoc on our economy. All of that takes a toll on our emotions. Here are a few ways to prioritize your health and wellness at this stressful time:

  • Acknowledge anxiety. Realize it’s valid and find healthy ways to cope—for example meditation, exercise, and talking to others.
  • Know that feelings of fear, loneliness, sadness, isolation, and depression aren’t abnormal. Talk about them.
  • Be aware if you’re using unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol.
  • When you hear opinions you disagree with, remain calm. There are various points of view about the best way to handle the pandemic, and it can be draining to react to all of them.
  • Don’t forget about people who are vulnerable to the most severe symptoms of COVID-19: older people and anyone with a compromised immune system. Until there’s a vaccine or substantial treatment, they are unlikely to be able to safely go out as much as others. Check on them.

Resources

Hancock Counseling and Psychiatric Services has a team of experts who can work with people in all stages of life, from children through senior citizens. For more information, call 317-468-6200 or visit us online.

Mental Health Tips

Here’s a library filled with tips for you and your family on how to maintain good mental health as we cope with the coronavirus:

There’s No Safer Place Than Home

Like it or not, the safest and healthiest place for us right now is at home. Here are a few tips for keeping your living space fun and anxiety and germ-free:

  • Regularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces.
  • Minimize visitors. Consider creating a COVID circle: A group of people who you trust to socialize with because you’ve prearranged a set of ground rules.
  • Maintain contact with friends and family through video conferencing.
  • Even if you’re not ready to go back to the gym, get daily exercise.
  • Keep kids entertained with educational shows, games, and outdoor activities they can enjoy in your home’s driveway and yard.
  • Know when to call a professional. If someone in your family is struggling—experiencing frequent emotional outbursts or becoming withdrawn—contact us.

Mental Health Resources—Videos and Blogs

We’ve compiled a collection of resources to help you and your family at home. Get some good advice: