It's been a week where our lives have begun a huge transition to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. As individuals, families, communities, and societies we are learning a new normal with a new vocabulary to cope with uncertainties that were beyond our comprehension a week ago. To answer the questions I hear every day as a psychologist, I have compiled some useful links for my readers. I have found these personally helpful, and I hope you find them useful.
Mindfulness. Adults and children may experience heightened anxiety during this time. Share these simple ideas to remind your friends and neighbors to be kind to themselves during this time. Share this information using the jpeg above. From https://mighty writers.org
Unsplash: CDC
How To Talk To Your Kids About The Disease
Experts offer parents advice for talking to their children about the COVID-19 outbreak. By Caroline Bologna, Huffington Post
As the coronavirus outbreak progresses, parents are facing questions from their children, who have picked up bits and pieces of information (and misinformation) from the internet, TV, teachers and classmates.
The topic is a daunting one to tackle with children, as there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding the illness. But as with any situation of this kind, it’s important to present yourself as a supportive and reliable figure in the midst of kids’ confusion.
Unsplash: CDC, COVID 19
Social Distancing: Places And Events To Avoid Because Of Coronavirus
Is it safe to go to the gym? Small gatherings? Kids' birthday parties? By Casey Bond, Huffington Post | Updated March 14, 2020
Cases of coronavirus infection continue to spread. In response, the Centers for Disease Control published a number of recommendations to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Many local governments have followed suit, placing limits on public gatherings as part of what’s known as “social distancing.” Read the rest on the Huffington Post.
7 Science-based Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
It's a stressful time. If anxiety is getting the best of you and your family, here's how to de-stress.
BY JELENA KECMANOVIC from MetroKids
As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues its global spread and the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases continues to increase, anxiety related to the outbreak is on the rise too. As a psychologist, I am seeing this in my practice already. Although feeling anxiety in response to a threat is a normal human reaction, sustained high anxiety can undermine constructive responses to the crisis. People who already suffer from anxiety and related disorders are especially likely to have a hard time during the coronavirus crisis.
From MetroKids: http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/Health/7-Science-based-Strategies-to-Cope-with-Coronavirus-Anxiety/
Want to do something about coronavirus? Here are 5 ideas.
It’s easy to feel powerless. Instead, help the most vulnerable. By Anna North, Vox. Updated Mar 11, 2020, 5:27pm EDT
It’s easy to feel powerless in a time like this — there’s not yet a vaccine or drug for Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. And Americans are watching their government scramble to implement measures to keep them safe — something it may not be entirely prepared to do.
But while individuals may not be able to halt the spread of coronavirus, there are some steps we can take to help protect the most vulnerable — and to combat some of the social ills exacerbated by the virus, like racism and age discrimination. Click to read the 5 ideas.
Poetry for Tumultuous Times
Poets are always prophets in unsettled times and places, and they are here for us now to read and listen on On Being.
Unsplash: CDC
COVID-19: Preparation Tips for Families Affected by Autism
By Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara on March 7, 2020. As Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, with the help of fellow board members of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), we have gathered some tips and suggestions to keep in mind with the rise of COVID-19 disease cases. These tips are tailored for individuals and families with a loved one on the autism spectrum but can be helpful for many individuals. Clip to read the tips.