As we’re coming close to an entire year of dealing with restrictions to our lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are feeling the stress and frustration of having to continually wear masks and observe social distancing, and not going to restaurants and many other businesses as we have always done in the past.
All of that combined with a stressful and contentious election season, civil unrest, thousands of jobs lost, and many parents taking on the responsibility of teaching their children has created a period of time where excessive stress is adversely affecting our lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, how you respond to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, your financial situation, your health and emotional background, the community you live in, and many other factors. The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus can affect anyone.
If you think you may be experiencing COVID-19 fatigue or perhaps overall crisis fatigue, here are a number of tips that may help you deal with it.
Do all you can to avoid negative coping skills that seem like quick and easy solutions such as alcohol or drug use, or overspending money. You may find those distractions helpful at the time, but the consequences that may come later could be costly if not tragic.
Whenever you feel like you’re in a crisis situation, consider finding a new routine and sticking with it. A consistent routine in your life creates familiarity, which can be a huge comfort to you. Consider going to bed at night and getting up in the morning at the same times each day and set aside particular hours to work and work out, read or other recreational activities.
Although it can be difficult during these challenging times, take a moment each day to think about what you’re grateful for in your life whether that be your family and friends, your job, a beautiful day outside or perhaps even your favorite team winning a big game. Although we’re all going through a difficult time, doing what we can to accentuate the positive can be a big help in getting through this.
Whenever you’re out and about, do all you can to be kind and gracious with everyone you encounter. Thank each other for wearing a mask and smile, even when wearing a mask, which can affect your emotion and can be seen in your eyes. Check in with family, friends and neighbors to see how they’re doing and see if there’s anything you can do to assist them.
While expressing your concern for others, make sure you’re doing what you can to take care of yourself by eating properly and getting exercise when you can. If you have a scheduled doctor’s appointment be sure to see your provider either in person or via telehealth. Many primary care and specialist appointments can be completed through a video visit rather than an in-person visit, including Medicare wellness exams. In general, if your condition doesn’t require an in-person physical examination, a video visit may be a good choice for you to receive care safely and conveniently.
People who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately. If you are ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your health center or clinic before coming to your appointment. If you are an Eskenazi Health patient, please call 317-880-7666 before coming to your appointment. Health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions on symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care. It is important to first call before arriving at Eskenazi Health.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington