You cannot escape it, every time you turn on the news or look at your social media feed there it is: more news about COVID-19.  Maybe you started feeling a bit less anxious about the pandemic, but now it appears that cases are skyrocketing again. and that anxiety is setting in even more now. 

​First of all, know that you are not alone and that it is completely ok to feel anxious! The American Psychiatric Association recently released a poll indicating that "nearly four in ten Americans (40%) are anxious about becoming seriously ill or dying from coronavirus, but far more Americans (62%) are anxious about the possibility of family and loved ones getting coronavirus." This is an unprecedented time and there is a lot of unknown when it comes to COVID-19, so it is to be expected that you will feel some anxiety as a result.  After all, we are likely living during a once in a lifetime event!  In this article, we will cover some techniques that you can use to cope with and manage how you are feeling.

1. Limit media including the news and social media
We live in the information age where information is constantly bombarding us whether we want to digest it or not.  Limiting your access to this media is especially important if you struggled with anxiety and worry prior to the start of the pandemic.  A good tip is to schedule the amount of time you are spending consuming media for the day or the week.  Regularly check in with yourself after media consumption, compare how you felt prior to reading or watching to how you feel afterwards.  If you experience an increase in anxiety, reevaluate your schedule and try exposing yourself to less media going forward.

2. Focus on what you can control
Let's face it, there is not much that you can control when it comes to COVID-19, which can send your anxiety into a tail spin.  A good technique to use is to focus on what you can control instead often times action can feel like an antidote to anxiety.  This includes following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines available here.  These guidelines include washing your hands often for 20 seconds, social distancing with 6 feet or more between yourself and others who are not in your household, among other recommendations.  Read the CDC guidelines link for more information.

3. Stay connected
Social distancing should really be called physical distancing.  Now it is more important than ever to maintain close social relationships even if you cannot see each other face to face.  Take advantage of technology to maintain friendships and connect with those you care about most.  Here are some ideas on how to maintain social relationships despite the coronavirus:

1. Have a virtual game night through online platforms such as zoom
2. Host a zoom painting party 
3. Start a book club and meet regularly via zoom to discuss 
4. Host a karaoke night via zoom
5. Have a zoom brunch with your friends

4. Start a regular mindfulness meditation practice
Mindfulness meditation is a good place to start as it does not require a teacher and can be practiced alone.  There are several YouTube videos that you can use for free to try such as the ones listed below:

1. Honest Guys 10 minute mindfulness meditation
2. Daily Calm 10 minute mindfulness meditation 

If a low tech option is more your speed, there are also mindfulness meditation scripts, such as those listed below:

1. 3 minute body scan mindfulness meditation  
2. Mountain meditation script

5. Take a mindful walk around your neighborhood 
Mindfulness does not just have to include sitting still and breathing deep, take your mindfulness practice on the go with a mindful walk around your neighborhood!  Leave your earbuds at home and lace up your comfy shoes.  As you walk, utilize all five senses to keep yourself in the here and now.  Observe 2-3 things per sense.

1. Notice what you see - "I see green leaves on the trees, I see my neighbor's fluffy dog, I see the birds flying overhead."
2. Notice what you hear - "I hear birds chirping, I hear my neighbor cutting their grass, I hear a car driving on the street."
3. Notice what you smell - "I smell fresh cut grass, I smell my neighbor's grill, I smell the fresh flowers."
4. Notice what you feel - "I feel the grass under my feet, I feel the sun warming my skin, I feel the breeze hitting my face."

Taste could be a difficult one, if you have a water bottle with you or you are chewing your favorite gum, you can definitely take notice!

6. Start a gratitude journal
Begin keeping a gratitude journal once or twice a week.  Such a journal can serve as a good reminder that there are still things to be grateful despite COVID-19.  Not all gratitude journals are created equal, in order for yours to make the most impact, check out these tips on how to keep a gratitude journal.

When is it time for professional help?
Feeling anxious during the coronavirus is completely normal, even after you started feeling a bit better.  Be patient with yourself and try some of the above techniques to manage your anxiety.  If you are not improving, it is probably time to talk to a trained professional to process your anxiety.  You do not have to suffer alone.  If you live in the State of Texas and are interested in video counseling, Seeds of Change Counseling would be happy to help, call us for a free phone consultation to see if we are a fit at 512-676-5813.
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Parents across the country have seen their teen's lives impacted and you see this in your home.  Your teen was incredibly excited about their prom, graduation, sports season, or even just hanging out with friends.  The pandemic came and disrupted everything, your teen is acting differently than before and you are concerned.  In this article we will explore how to check-in with your teen during this time and when to know that it is time for help.

How to talk with your teen about how they are feeling
Many teens can often be resistant about talking about how they are feeling.  Here are some tips when engaging with them.

1. Do not pepper them with questions.  Let's face it, none of us like to be asked a bunch of questions, and it can really push your teen away when you are trying to connect with them.  Instead, reflect what they say using statements and listen.
2. Choose the right time.  Look for an opportunity where they are not engaged in an otherwise fun activity, at the end of a tiring day, or immediately after a disagreement or an argument. 
3. Empathize with them.  Normalizing a teen's feelings can really go a long way to opening up communication.  It is hard to remember what it was like to be a teen, but try your best!  Hearing things like "you won't even remember prom" or "there is another season next year" really convey "your feelings do not matter" rather than "everything will be ok."
4. Share your feelings with them.  Sometimes teens need to know that we are human.  Sharing that you have fear, anxiety, or sadness can go a long way to building connection.
5. Try not to have inflated expectations (or low expectations).  Your teen may not want to talk about their feelings, that does not mean that the interaction was a failure, you are modeling what it looks like to seek connection!

When should you get help for your teen?

First and foremost, any discussion of suicide should be taken seriously.  When this happens, you can visit your local ER to get your teen the help that they need.

Here are some symptoms that can warrant a visit to your doctor or a therapist.  It is important to note that every adolescent can exhibit some of these symptoms from time to time.  However, noticing a marked increase in these behaviors in a short period of time could be a signal for additional help.

1. Withdrawal and isolation.  If your teen begins avoiding you completely, if you notice withdrawal from peers, or a completely new peer group out of the blue it could be a sign that your teen needs professional help.
2. Stark academic decline.  If you notice a sharp decrease in academic performance out of the blue or a significant decline in motivation it could be time to get additional help.
3. Substance use.  Developmentally, some level of experimentation during adolescence is to be expected.  However, significant substance use and risky behaviors could warrant additional help.
4. Frequent negative self talk.  If you observe your teen consistently speaking in absolutes about themselves such as "I am such a loser," "no one ever likes me," "I can never do anything right," or "I hate myself" it could be time to get extra help.

If you need additional help for your teen and live in the State of Texas, we currently offer video counseling during the coronavirus.  Please call us at 512-676-5813 for a free phone consultation to see how we can best support you.