Local experts offer ways to cope with anxiety of coronavirus

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Staff at Bootheel Counseling Services in Sikeston practice social distancing while working. Bootheel is offering tips to help deal with the anxiety of the current pandemic.
Submitted photo

SIKESTON — The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the daily lives of local residents has led to anxiety and stress for many.

With days filled with quarantine and social distancing along with the constant news about COVID-19, the stress can build up and become as bad, if not worse than the pandemic itself.

“With the fact that this is a global pandemic that most have never had to deal with, this is creating a very high level of anxiety for many people,” said Jennifer Hartlein, director of fund development and public relations at Bootheel Counseling Services. “For many the level of anxiety has been compounded due to the unknown.”

Hartlein said there is a concern about the economy, job loss and just how easily people can be exposed to the coronavirus.

“There are many that have shared true concern and fear of not knowing that they have it and will pass it on to their loved ones. This general uncertainty creates a natural anxiety, but emphasizes the need to follow the precautionary measures,” Hartlein said.

Some of the precautionary measures to take include knowing accurate information from reliable resources, keeping things in perspective and taking a break from news media, turning off the news and focusing on something positive.

“Being faithful — faith helps people get through very tough situations,” Hartlein said. “Social distancing does not mean social isolation, keep in touch. Don’t think of it as social distancing, it’s physical distancing.

“Refrain from drinking and using illicit drugs, watching the news 24/7, responding to gossip and commiserating with others.”

While many adults are feeling anxious and stressed, so are children. From being out of school to being isolated from friends to being scared, children are also feeling the effects of the pandemic.

“The best way to take care of kids is to take care of yourself,” Hartlein said. “Children look to adults to figure out what happened, how to react and how to cope.”

Hartlein said to educate children with age appropriate information and that adults should manage their own stress before relaying information to children. Parents should also remind children it is the adult’s responsibility to keep them safe.

Adults should help children practice relaxation skills while also creating routines in the home.

“We should allow children to express their emotions,” Hartlein said. “They are grieving over missing things. They could be more irritable during this stressful time while pushing away support of others.”

She added that adults should help children have a healthy respect for what is going on and show them the safety measures, such as washing hands, using hand sanitizers and not touching their face.

Hartlein said people should keep in touch with with their family through phone calls and letters, encouraging them to practice the safety measures that are being taught and to reach out to people for help, if needed.

“Please check on your elderly neighbors and parents,” Hartlein said.

Bootheel Counseling Services is offering MyStrength as a tool for those who need help with anxiety or stress.

“It has a wealth of information regarding COVID-19 and other coping skills for life’s challenges,” Hartlein said. “To register go on www.mystrength.com and sign up with access code bcscommunity.”

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