Managing the Anxiety of COVID-19

It's ok if you are not ok. I'm here to help. 

The mental health effects of this pandemic are profound. If you have been diagnosed with an existing mental health condition, you may feel worse than before. And if you have never dealt with feelings of anxiety, fear, depression or loss this severe, you may find yourself in a state that you don't like. Loss of employment, financial stressors, changes to routine, health concerns, interruptions in education, misinformation, and social isolation are just a few ways this pandemic is causing distress. It may be time to work with a counselor to address these feelings and jump-start your resilience skills and supports. 

During this time, I am working with my patients over the phone or via video chat in a way that is both safe and effective. Studies have shown that talking to a counselor over the phone is still effective. 

Relaxation Tools

You may hear that it's important to relax, decrease stress, and focus on the good. But you may be asking how? If relaxing was easy, if focusing was easy, it would just happen. But it isn't easy and it takes practice. That's why it's helpful to work with an expert. 

When I work with patients in a group setting at in-patient units at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, I often do a series of relaxation exercises with them called Yoga Nidra. Yoga Nidra is different from the physical movements many people picture when they think of yoga. These calming and relaxation techniques use the breath, small movements in the body, and focused awareness to relax both the mind and the body. They have reported improved feelings of wellbeing, feeling more rested and feeling less pain.

So that you can do this practice on your own, I have recorded a Yoga Nidra sample for you. Listen and relax.