Hello, M.R.S. –
COVID-19 causes tremendous stress for everyone, no matter our circumstances. If you are worried about this virus, feel scared or feel alone, please read this.
*If you feel like you are on the brink, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site refers visitors to the Disaster Distress Helpline. The toll-free number is 1-800-985-5990 or you can text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
You might also find what you need by dialing 211 on your phone or visiting this site: http://www.211.org/services/crisis.
Squad, please use the M.R.S Facebook page at this link to post suggestions or links to resources you have found that others could find helpful: https://www.facebook.com/Martini-Rescue-Squad-120839664614032/.
We are absolutely all in this together.
As for general suggestions, this CDC link provides some excellent tips and links to additional resources that you might find helpful:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Scroll down to the “Ways to cope with stress” section, which suggests the following:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
The page at the link above provides hyperlinks to resources to aid with each of those suggestions.
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Everyone is stressed out. Online, you can see single people expressing how they feel cut off from the world, which exacerbates this virus’s insidiousness. Coupled people with children express how difficult it is to sustain their work obligations while caring for their little ones and protecting those little ones from the tremendous fear they feel.
While this virus is terrifying, I am repeatedly impressed and strengthened by everyone’s shared urgency to connect and be of service to one another.
A high school friend in the Pacific Northwest has posted a video of his Dave Matthews Band cover on his acoustic guitar. Who knew? He’s musically gifted as well.
College friends from across the country who have become teachers have posted links to educational resources for their friends’ children in all grade levels.
Groups of friends are having virtual Girls’ Nights Out (G.N.O.s) and birthday parties via Zoom.
Others have created online support groups, recipe exchanges and a variety of other forums.
And some friends have posted heartbreaking news about their loved ones.
There really is not a way to make light of this global situation, nor does that seem appropriate. At the same time, none of us is obligated to let this virus sentence us to solitude. Please reach out. We're all here.
Best wishes to you and your family.
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