While we’ve been hearing about COVID-19/Coronavirus for more than a month, it seems the news and information about it has really ramped up in the last week. Words like “pandemic” bring to mind the black death, cholera or the plague. Couple that with the closure of major universities, canceling of flights, stock market crashes, and a travel ban applied to Europe and it’s a recipe for some increased anxiety. I’ve certainly heard a great deal about it from clients this week in session. It’s a natural response to feel stress and anxiety about this type of information. The good news is we can implement some simple efforts to support ourselves and our loved ones.
Focus on what you can control rather than what you can’t.
This might look like limiting your consumption of news stories and social media.
Stay disciplined about your bedtime and get plenty of sleep.
Drink lots of water — non-caffeinated tea also works.
Eat well — less packaged foods and more whole foods with lots of fruits and veggies.
Take a walk, get some fresh air, and appreciate the spring flowers popping up all over.
Tune into your breath when you are feeling particularly anxious. Try to be mindful of the current moment you’re in rather than letting your mind catastrophize.
It’s prudent to follow the prevention recommendations provided by the CDC:
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently — and by frequently we’re talking before every meal, after being in a public space, after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
If hand washing isn’t readily available to you, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands —this means eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick except for medical care. * More on this below!
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Throw tissues in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and clean dirty surfaces.
Here at Portland Mental Wellness we’re taking our own precautions to keep all of us healthy.
While we have always had hand sanitizer and tissues readily available in the office, we have assured that we continue to maintain a great supply. The office is being cleaned and disinfected throughout the day, including the wiping down of surfaces, door knobs, and sanitizing dish washing of glasses and mugs.
We have options for your therapy sessions at Portland Mental Wellness.
It’s not surprising that despite peoples’ increased anxiety and stress about the news and events, clients still very much want to tend to their mental and emotional well-being. We thought it was appropriate to communicate how one can continue to take care of their whole self in the event they feel the need to stay home or are quarantined. Here are the ways we will continue to be in service to you regardless of your whereabouts:
Portland Mental Wellness office
We will continue to be open to see our clients as they have scheduled their time with us.
Phone sessions
If you have a scheduled appointment but are feeling under the weather or are otherwise quarantined, we can arrange to do your session over the phone.
Please reach out directly to Ryan with 48 hours advance notice prior to your appointment time to arrange your phone session.
Telehealth sessions
If you’d prefer to do a secure telehealth session (meaning that we’re in a secure chat over web video — either on your computer or via mobile phone) we have updated our appointment software so you can select this option if needed.
If you’ve set-up this option, Ryan will reach out to you directly a minimum of 24 hours before your session to provide you instructions for joining the secure connection.
We’re hearing from clients that the news about Coronavirus and its associated stories are increasing stress and anxiety. Remember that those are natural responses to what is going on. We want to express how important it is that you take care of yourselves and your loved ones — this means institute the CDC prevention recommendations as well as prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. We’re here to help and continue to make getting care at Portland Mental Wellness as accessible as possible.
Be well.