[Evergreen Bergvliet] ELV BGV>Circular 23 - Finding Calm in the Pandemic Storm Part 2*

Fri Apr 24 13:14:02 SAST 2020

        Dear Resident

Finding Calm in the Pandemic Storm - Part 2
Ways to cope with stress and anxiety about COVID-19

This is the second part of the advice offered by Psychotherapist Reji Mathew which provides helpful tips for taking stock of our feelings and finding ways to cope during this crisis, by finding mechanisms to do so:

Acknowledge Your Gratitude: During a crisis, fear can take over, and our perspective narrows. Emergencies do spur painful losses, whether emotional, spiritual, concrete or existential. But ask yourself: What part of my world is still intact? Think about what makes you feel grateful these days. This mindful gratitude can offer a “landscape perspective,” noting what you do have and savouring it through self-validating acknowledgments: “This is what I do have today; this is what I can count on; this is who is here for me, right here, right now.” Mindful gratitude is not superficial optimism; it is about keeping the broadest landscape view of a particular moment, which can include the inner and outer resources you may have, along with the adversity. Being mindfully grateful, in real-time, of all the people working together under taxing circumstances is one way to gain that landscape perspective.

Dialectically Calm: It’s An ‘And World’: In times of urgency, it is entirely understandable that we would feel like there is no reprieve from being in a constant state of emotional distress. Learning the skill of dialectical calm is an invaluable tool; this is the idea that we live in an “and world,” that often we feel many ways about a given moment. Think about what makes you feel grateful these days: “This is what I do have today; this is what I can count on; this is who is here for me, right here, right now.” Neuroscience teaches us that a calm immune system is better than a stressed immune system. When we can activate calm, we have better access to our ability to problem-solve, be creative and make better decisions. For example, you can be both calm and anxious or overwhelmed and hopeful or afraid and calm at the same time. I think of fire fighters who go in to fight a fire; they may be scared, but they have trained very hard on how to stay calm. The next time you notice anxiety, take a deep breath and activate calm. Or when the feeling of being overwhelmed floods you, try to acknowledge the steps you have taken to gain control over your day and remember that anxiety and calm can co-exist.

Remember: Social Distancing Is Not Emotional Distancing: Health officials have urgently asserted that social distancing is the most vital intervention we can all do to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing is a sacrifice for all of us, but it is important to remember that social distancing does not mean emotional distancing. With all the criticism of social media in recent years, it is striking how the digital age is saving the day in this pandemic. We have incredible access to each other, unimaginable in decades past. Try to simulate digitally the type of social engagement that has helped you to be at your best. Or, if you are someone who was lacking in social support, start small in exploring the right platforms for you, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and video-chat apps, like FaceTime and Zoom. As you do this, be aware of scams or misinformation; consult with trusted friends and family who have experience. (We will cover “Video Chat Services, From A to Z in one of our next circulars).

When you wash your hands, commit to social distancing, stay at home during lockdown and take care of your health — you are doing it for everyone in your circle and beyond.  A year from now, how will we want to look back at this moment in our history? How did we problem-solve, innovate, work together as a community or as a nation? How did we evolve as a people, as a neighbour, a village in our response to this experience?

If you need to talk to a professional counselor about what you are feeling, please contact the confidential Counselling Support Hotline on 072 356 7127 or email mel.westcott1 at gmail.com<mailto:mel.westcott1 at gmail.com>.

Warm Regards, Stay Safe

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