How to Cope with the Anxiety, Fear, Panic, Frustration, Disruption, and Stress from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (And a Meditation Exercise)
[Episode 41 of the Intentional Clinician]
Paul Krauss MA LPC discusses the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in terms of its effects on our mental Health. Many individuals are reporting a feeling of anxiety in the air, and Paul has thought about how to resolve this tension. He suggests a number of ways to deal with the news about the virus. Some of these things include limiting our exposure to news sources, maintaining social connection through technology, getting outside, and practicing mindfulness meditation.
While we should be following the CDC rules on hand-washing and social distancing, Paul suggests that too much information can create more anxiety. Paul personally limits his media consumption to once in the morning and once in the evening. He reads articles rather than watching videos or listening to podcasts or radio shows because videos often use imagery to add more drama or podcasts/radio sensationalize a few points. Articles can rehash the same fax over and over again, though, so it’s not doing most citizens too much good to keep reading articles all day.
Paul discusses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and cautions listeners to avoid focusing on the worst-case scenario, and instead focus on what they have available to them. The majority of citizens have their basic needs for life met. Saying this does not negate any sort of fear or negative emotion that you may be facing, but it gives us a little perspective in light of the situation.
Therapy is an essential part of getting through this difficult time. Paul recognizes that not everyone currently has access to therapy, but he is personally working on making sure that everyone that is seen in his office is taken care of. Whether that is getting insurance companies to cover telehealth services more quickly or providing a sliding scale fee, Paul and the clinicians at Health for Life GR are trying to make this pandemic as uncomplicated as possible.
In the meantime, Paul provides an exercise to do with listeners. Listen along and find some relief now, even if it is only for a few moments of your day!
Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids here to support you through this stressful time. If you would like to talk to someone about your fears and concerns, please contact us. We have telehealth options available so you don’t need to come into the office.
- We are offering additional options to our clients and the community: Optional Secure Telehealth/ Remote Therapy (covered by insurance), Additional Sanitation Procedures at the Office, and more flexible cancellation policy.
- Please do not hesitate to reach out to your therapist/clinician directly for details. We will customize a plan for your needs. You can also call our reception M-TH, 9-5, (616)-200-4433.
- If you are needing additional support for health anxiety— do not hesitate to make an appointment: healthforlifegr.com — make sure to follow CDC recommendations for your age and risk level.
To learn more about counseling visit our counseling page here.
Or reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation here.
Or call 616-200-4433. We at Health for Life would be glad to help!
