Easing stress and seeking normalcy in traumatic times

For most Americans, 2020 has already been a rough year — and it’s not even half over. A pandemic, natural disasters, economic decline, and, for many, the loss of a job have taken a toll on their mental health. “Stress is particularly acute when you’re experiencing a situation that is outside of your control,” says Dr. Kerry Ressler, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “You may feel stuck, frozen, or helpless.” After a traumatic period, even when things settle down, it can be difficult to move on and regain a sense of normalcy. Reducing stress and regaining your footing So, how can you reduce your stress and regain your footing after going through a bad time, whether that’s the result of a large-scale national emergency or even just a personal patch of bad luck? Step back. When traumatic events are occurring, whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic, or mass shooting, you need to stay abreast of the news, but at the same time avoid retraumatizing yourself by becoming immersed in round-the-clock coverage, says Dr. Ressler. Limit the time you spend in front of screens or reading about the events of the day. The goal is to stay informed without increasing your anxiety level. Turn off the notifications on your phone, and be particularly wary of spending too much time on social media. “People have the tendency to amplify each other’s panic,” says Dr. Ressler. “Instead, limit your exposure to checking in on the news a couple of times a day, ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Depression Coronavirus and COVID-19 Mental Health Stress Source Type: blogs