We are all living with more stressors during this pandemic. Some of those stressors include economic insecurity, fear of catching the virus, family and friends who have the virus, friends and family who have died due to the virus, food insecurity, and being stuck at home.
There are people who are under more acute stress like all front-line workers. Those on the front-lines include doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, grocery store workers, and delivery workers. Some of the front-line workers are faced with death and illness at a level they’ve never seen before. Some front-line workers are afraid because they don’t have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe.
Then there is the stress of conflicting messages coming from government, politicians, and other experts. This is causing disruption in communities because not everyone is following or agrees with the ways that government is dealing with this crisis.
It’s certain that when all is said and done, many will be left with the after-effects of living under extra stress over a long period of time. There is a storm brewing on the horizon. More people are going to need mental health services due to the effects of constant stress.
If you are under constant stress and you are feeling the strain now, please seek some help. You can reach out to others like family and friends through various forms of technology. By staying in touch with family and friends, you can give and receive support.
Beyond that, you can access the “COVID-19 Resource Information Guide” produced by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide
If you are unable to cope with the constant stress you are under, you can reach out to me here. I offer therapy via online video to people in California. It’s just as effective as in-person therapy. If you live outside of California, try finding a therapist at www.psychologytoday.com. Finding a therapist and working with a therapist now can help you cope with the current crisis and can help you cope after the crisis is over.