5 Ways to Restore Your Sense of Emotional Safety During the Coronavirus Crisis

As the spread of the coronavirus threatens our physical health, it is also becoming a real threat to our mental health. As Americans, it is not our norm to see our grocery store shelves empty and to be quarantined and unable to gather in large groups.  When we experience real or perceived threat, our bodies react accordingly and our survival physiology kicks in, leaving us in states of “fight” and “flight.” While these states are meant for acute trauma situations to help us mobilize, in more chronic states of disruption — like the crisis we are experiencing with the coronavirus — our nervous systems become imbalanced, making it difficult to manage our emotional states. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline start pumping through our bodies. Our immune systems become compromised, making us more vulnerable to viruses and infections. Restoring our sense of safety is key to bringing our nervous system and emotions back in balance, as well as maintaining our physical health. But how do we do this in a time when socially distancing is a must and everyone around us is validating our experience of not feeling safe? There are many small steps we can take each day to stay present and connected.  Restoring Our Sense of Safety As adults, the more we can regulate ourselves, the greater capacity we will have to support our loved ones. Here are five ways to stay present and restore your sense of safety during this crisis:  Cultivate your news intake. During th...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Panic General Health-related Trauma coronavirus COVID-19 trauma response Source Type: blogs