Hello, Neighbours!
My submission to the April newsletter just a few weeks ago seems so inappropriate in the current COVID-19 pandemic. I work in Mental Health and my work has certainly changed. Like many of you, I am working from home, and although I have learned many virtual ways to communicate, I have found myself struggling with my mental health. I am writing this on March 26th for publication at a later date. I hope much of what I am sharing will not be necessary, but I want to be a bit proactive and share with you some of what I am experiencing (and I suspect many community members are experiencing as well) and some methods I am using to cope during this challenging time:
- Grief and Loss: All of us are experiencing grief and loss. We are in extraordinary times and our lives have been completely altered in nearly every way. We are grieving the loss of our ‘normal’ lives.
- In order to manage grief and loss, we must feel it and allow it to move through us. Seek support from loved ones, friends and professionals when needed. Some need to talk it through and some need to walk it through. I like to do both. I have been walking with my dog and putting my head set on and calling different people every day. For no reason other than to connect. And for most of us, that is good for mental health.
- Anxiety, Stress and Worry: Along with all the changes and unknowns, many of us experience anxiety, stress and worry. When I find my mind swirling with worry and anxiety, I use a number of techniques that help slow down my brain:
- Breathing. Most of us don’t breathe correctly, but properly breathing into our diaphragm is SO helpful. I use an app called Calm and another called Road to Mental Readiness. Both have great exercises for breathing.
- I have started a video blog, or vlog, that is funny and engaging (at least I think so!). Being creative and making others laugh helps me feel less stressed.
- Focusing on here and now. When I start to create ideas in my head and focus on “what could happen?”, I do a momentary grounding where I focus on the next 24 to 48 hours maximum. I shut down the rumination and make myself be present and accountable for this moment only.
I hope some of these ideas help you. For current information related to the COVID-19 pandemic, follow the community association on Facebook (North Glenmore Park Community Association) and Instagram (ngpca_yyc). As Mayor Nenshi says, “Clean Hands. Calm Head. Open Heart.” Be well.
