Staying Calm During the COVID-19 Crisis

Hello, we at Family First Psychotherapy Services LLC would like to take this time to check in with you and your family. We are aware that many of you have concerns about the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the impact it may have on receiving services in the office. Please know that the health and safety of our clients and employees is our priority. Most of all, we wanted to offer some good coping tools and information.

Currently, we are still seeing clients this week. We were looking into other options for tele-health but have not found a reasonable and ethical source as of yet. We will keep looking. If there are any changes we will let you know.

We know how our fears can sometimes lead us astray please read the following to help curtail that response.

Fear of the Unknown

Anxiety is often driven by a lack of information. The virus may not be “new” but dealing with it is “new!” Most people haven't had it, nor do they know someone who has. Most of us, especially if you're an adult, have had the flu or dealt with it, have information about and know how it runs its course. Knowledge of something makes it less of a threat to us, personal experience makes a difference.

Limit Media Exposure

The constant news feeds are not helpful. Do not look at the news all day. You can check in with the news to stay informed but following it all day exposes us to media sensationalism—they want to capitalize on your fear. They will say things like “deadly virus," which can be misleading because the virus is not deadly for most people. Go to a trusted media source, get your updates and go on about your day.

The Center for Disease Control website is a great resource for reliable information. Their website has recommendations as to how to reduce the potential for the coronavirus to spread, which we are implementing throughout our organization. There are also videos that give information about the virus etc. Use this link to view them.

What Should We Do?

Make the most out of this time. Most of us have been asked to stay out of crowds and not go to work. This is the time to work from home if that was the direction given by your workplace. You can really bear down and focus on your work when you're home if you set boundaries.

As well, please take the time to explain to your children what is happening and why the country has taken such measures. This could be a great way to learn about viruses for a science class project in the future. And now that you're home, you have the freedom to be busy with other things like reading that book you wanted to catch up on, moving furniture around, catching up with friends and family on the phone, spending time with your family playing games, or looking at a good movie. Most of all, do not let the panic and fear lead you!!!! See how you can stay emotionally balanced.

Do These Things to Keep Emotions In Check

  • Exercise!! (Chances are you don’t want to do this one.)
  • Practice deep focused breathing throughout the day.
  • Listen to your favorite music.
  • Have great sex! (This should have been number 1!)
  • Visualize the end of this - things going back to normal.
  • Write out your vacation plans.
  • Be as pleasant as possible to each other while home.

Google has a list of virtual museums that you and the family can enjoy together. You and your children will love these virtual tours.

Remember, safety first and no panicking!!! Twenty (20) seconds of hand washing is a very effective preventive measure, so please do not panic if you do not have hand sanitizer as soap and water is best.

Here are some quotes from the World Health Organization website, which is another great source of information.

“The rule of the game is: never give up.”

“We are not at the mercy of this virus,” said the WHO Director-General at the 9 March media briefing.

"All countries must aim to stop transmission and prevent the spread of COVID-19, whether they face no cases, sporadic cases, clusters or community transmission."

“Let hope be the antidote to fear."

"Let solidarity be the antidote to blame."

"Let our shared humanity be the antidote to our shared threat"

Brought to you by The Family First Psychotherapy Services (FFPS) Staff:

Nicole Daniels
Ruth Cole
Alicia Purnell