The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Healing emotional toll of COVID pandemic
MIDDLETOWN — The impact of COVID-19 affects all of us even if we don’t get infected.
Since the beginning of March, all of us have experienced unplanned and almost unimaginable changes as the result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The class of 2020 high school seniors are missing out many longanticipated activities and celebrating their past 12 years. Additionally, there were brides looking forward to celebrate their fairy tale wedding, vacations canceled, and many other memorable life events all put on hold, because of a public health emergency which is impacting our country like nothing else since WWII.
Most college graduations are postponed, many adults have lost jobs with business shutdowns, and nursing home and assisted living communities have no visitation policies to protect residents from contracting the virus. Social distancing and stay-athome restrictions can take a toll on anyone at any age, and isolation can lead to depression.
How do we help ourselves and our friends/ family members that may be feeling overwhelmed and depressed during these challenging times?
⏩ If you are in need of any mental health support services, contact 211 or your primary care doctor for referrals. If you are currently working with professional counselor, many therapists will continue appointments virtually or by phone. Although you may not be able to meet in person, their sessions can still be valuable.
⏩ Try and maintain a schedule whenever possible. For example, if every Saturday morning, you enjoy breakfast with your immediate family, continue to do so. Monthly book club meetings can always take place via Zoom or other virtual platform. If you regularly meet a good friend for coffee or a cocktail, schedule a weekly phone conversation to stay in touch. If you walk every morning or afternoon, continuing this daily exercise can help relieve the stress of quarantine.
⏩ Look for a new activity you can do at home. There are fun options that can be done individually or as a family. For example, My Sign Your Words Art Studio in Middletown has do-it-yourself grab and go sign kits. The cost is $10 with all the supplies needed, or you can customize a sign for an additional $5 charge. To order a sign kit, email mysignsyourwords@gmail.com or contact Tara at 860705-7412. There are also make-your-own pottery and other craft options in the central Connecticut area that you can pick up curbside and create at home.
⏩ Tackle manageable projects at home that you put off because of a busy schedule. This is a great time to get ahead on spring cleaning and not feel rushed. Without the regular schedule of family gatherings, plans with friends, or evening work functions, it’s the perfect opportunity to complete projects, and many won’t cost anything but your time. Not to mention it can be very rewarding.
⏩ Help others. Many times giving back and assisting others can be very therapeutic. Check on an elderly relative or neighbor. If you love to cook, make a homemade meal to share with someone less fortunate. Look for opportunities to volunteer and engage with others (even if at a social distance). For opportunities to volunteer during the COVID outbreak, visit volunteerct.org.
This is not an easy time, but there are resources available. For a statewide reference, visit portal.ct.gov/coronavirus.
A special thank you goes to all the essential workers and those on the front lines, and my deepest condolences to anyone that has lost a loved one from COVID-19. Please stay safe and healthy.
Laura Falt is director of business development at Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation in Middletown. She can be reached at lfalt@nathealthcare.com.