The therapists in our New Directions Counseling Center have shared the following resources about caring for your mental health during this public health crisis.
If you are in need of a counselor at this time, please reach out. We are accepting new clients and our therapists are conducting sessions over the phone. Please call 617-773-6203 ext. 12 to schedule an appointment.
General Resources
Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress, Fear and Worry
Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. But you’re not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time. (HelpGuide)
‘There’s no wrong way to feel’: The grief of the coronavirus pandemic
Some have noticed that life during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to feel some sort of way. Maybe thinking about visiting the gym causes a profound sense of longing. A song from high school sparks an intense pang of nostalgia. The cancellation of a relative’s high school graduation triggers sobbing. What is that feeling the pandemic is causing?.. (Today)
Coping with the coronavirus pandemic for people with anxiety disorders
These days, we all have to accept the anxiety inherent in living in the time of the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19. If there was a way to dispel all anxious feelings, I’d tell you, but there isn’t. The one exception might be someone who could summon such a degree of denial that they carry on as if everything was normal. And that, as I’m sure you can see, would prove to be very, very unwise… (Harvard Health Publishing)
Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus
New reports about COVID-19 are becoming more widespread and are making some people anxious. Here are some tips to help you manage your anxiety, put news reports in perspective and maintain a positive outlook… (American Psychological Association)
Coronavirus self-isolation: a psychologist explains how to avoid cabin fever
People who suspect they may have come into contact with the coronavirus are being advised to self-isolate (stay at home) for 14 days. For some people, the idea of self-isolation may seem like a dream come true. For others, the idea of being cut off from the outside world, alone or with only a few close family members, will fill them with dread – ask any parent who has had to entertain two small children at home on a wet afternoon…
Caring for Your Mental Health Despite the Coronavirus
A virus that has spread across the globe, coupled with breaking news accessible to us at any time, has made many of us worried. It can be hard to stay calm when there is fear and unease in the media, stories of self-quarantines, and shortages of sanitizing products. Many people are feeling anxious, even if they rarely experience anxiety… (McLean Hospital)
Coping With Coronavirus: Managing Stress, Fear, and Anxiety
These are confusing, stressful times for all of us. As the coronavirus pandemic affects numerous facets of our society, it also impacts each person in different ways. The disruptions to daily life are already being felt by many, my family included—my son has been sent home from college, my place of worship has closed, and the comforting social gatherings that usually fill my weekends are off-limits. We are all feeling uncertain about what could happen in the coming weeks, as we hope to slow the spread of this pandemic. Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are completely normal during times like this… (National Institute of Mental Health)
Five Ways to View Coverage of the Coronavirus
New reports about COVID-19 are becoming more widespread and are making some people anxious. Here are some tips to help you manage your anxiety, put news reports in perspective and maintain a positive outlook… (American Psychological Association)
How to Manage Anxiety During a Pandemic
Anxiety is so idiosyncratic that it’s difficult to pinpoint a “type” that’s most common. For some, it might feel like vines of dread roping themselves around you the night before a big work deadline, or maybe like a creeping cloud of unease that settles in during your morning commute. Maybe you cope by taking prescribed medication or going for a run; maybe you’ve gotten suspiciously into baking bread… (Vox)
Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine
After having thirty-one sessions this week with patients where the singular focus was COVID-19 and how to cope, I decided to consolidate my advice and make a list that I hope is helpful to all. I can’t control a lot of what is going on right now, but I can contribute this… (Simon Fraser University)
Resources for Children
Stress, Resilience, and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has the capacity to affect every person in the world—and how each individual responds can potentially affect everyone else. In addition to the efforts of courageous health care providers, first responders, and a wide range of workers providing other vital services, countless numbers of selfless individuals are leaping into action to meet the rapidly changing needs of people most affected by the economic, social, and health impacts of this crisis… (Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University)
What to Say to Help Kids Feel Calm When the World Feels Fragile
When their days come with spikes, our children will turn to us. We won’t always be able to fix the breakages, but we don’t need to. We don’t need to do very much at all. As the important adult in their world, you have a profound capacity to soften the sharp edges and bring their world back to safe enough… (Hey Sigmund)
The Child Mind Institute
This independent, national nonprofit is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. They are holding twice daily Facebook Live video chats with clinicians, daily social media posts on parenting, and houses media interviews with experts on COVID-19.
Boston University’s Children’s Center
BU has assembled a “Parenting During the Pandemic” website, offering parenting resources, at-home activities and guidance on talking to your children about the coronavirus.
Trinka and Sam: Fighting the Big Virus
A children’s picture book, intended to help young children and families talk about COVID-19 and the need to shelter in place. Available as a free download with an optional companion guide… (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
How to Help Teens Shelter in Place
Parents everywhere are struggling to get their teenagers and college students to “shelter-in-place.” Teens are not made for isolation, which makes COVID-19 especially hard on them—and it makes them difficult to control… (Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley)
Resources for Those in Recovery
New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous Virtual Meetings List
Interfaith Social Services’ food pantry is an essential program and is open regular hours (Monday-Friday, 10-11:45am, and Wednesday evenings 5-7pm).
Brett Dixon earned his B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Salve Regina University and his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health at Lesley University. Brett works with clients of all ages and specializes in depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and substance abuse. Brett has experience working with children in both hospital and community settings and with adults with dual diagnosis who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Caitlin joined the counseling staff at New Directions Counseling Center in 2019. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Religion at Amherst College, and her M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University. Caitlin works with clients of all ages dealing with issues that include depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, social anxiety, grief, perfectionism, and miscarriage/infertility. She utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, narrative, and play therapy, always with a focus on helping clients understand their symptoms in the larger context of their lives. Caitlin also uses Christian counseling for those who want to include their Christian faith in their therapy. Her focus is on creating a comfortable space for clients to be themselves, have their thoughts and feelings respected, and feel fully involved in the treatment process. She believes that humor makes life better, that children’s books are for adults too, and that both are best enjoyed with good people and good tea.
