By Claire Hagan RN, LMHC
Interfaith's New Directions Counseling Center Counseling Coordinator
There is a wide range of normal emotions associated with coronavirus. Pandemics are stressful... how does one cope with anxiety?
Follow all CDC guidelines to help yourself stay healthy:
- Wear a mask over nose and mouth.
- Practice social distancing.
- Use hand sanitizer.
- Stay home as much as possible.
Practice self care... Be kind to yourself:
- Have a healthy diet.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Exercise (lots of programs online)
- Go outdoors in a quiet area (nature is therapeutic)
Do more of what you enjoy and distract yourself while you have more time on your hands:
- Read new books.
- Listen to podcasts.
- Do home projects (clean basement, closets, etc)
- Meal plan and try new recipes.
- Have virtual get togethers.
- Play games and do puzzles.
- Listen to music.
Know how you feel and assess your level of stress:
- Are you having a problem sleeping or eating?
- Do you have physical symptoms (fatigue, headache, stomach ache)?
- Drinking, using drugs, or smoking more?
- Feeling angry or impatient?
- Having a problem concentrating?
Stay connected to family and friends (facetime, zoom, visit outdoors while distancing).
Reach out if you need to and don’t suffer in silence (family member, friend, counselor).
“This too will end.”
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Counseling sessions are available through our New Directions Counseling Center. Due to the COVID pandemic, our Counseling Center is now operating on a telehealth model. Most sessions are being held via phone or video. A limited number of in-person appointments are also available.
Call (617) 773-6203 ext. 12 for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Evening hours are available.
A sliding fee scale is available for those without insurance coverage to accommodate all individuals who desire counseling.