Spring brings great expectations. We have waited all through the cold winter for it to come. We think sweet thoughts in spring. We smell sweet scents in spring. Oh, those thoughts of the flowering gardens!!!
However, not this year. Spring brings heighten anxiety about a strange and little-understood virus call Coronavirus (COVID-19). Americans and the world are very frightened about this invader which is spreading destruction around the world as mounting deaths continue to occur. Along with the high medical crisis comes economic uncertainty in the world. The stock market is in free fall and people are watching their economic security being destroyed. It is beyond scary.
We at Freedom from Fear wish to let you know we are here for you. If you need reassurance or just need to talk to a trained professional, please call for assistance. We also offer the following suggestions to help navigate through these times of heightened insecurities. Your mental health is more important than ever before.
- Exercise every day. Even if you do it at your house. Put on lively music and dance away your coronavirus fears
- Each day take some time to sit in a quiet place at home, play some soothing music, light a scented candle, if you have one, close your eyes and just take deep breaths thinking pleasant thoughts. Do this for at least five minutes, you are welcome to repeat as many times you want to. Clearing your mind is very important to reducing anxiety
- Take a walk if possible make sure you are socially distancing yourself
- Keep washing your hands regularly even when you are home
- Check-in with elderly, family, friends, and neighbors via phone or text. Remember most things can be ordered online.
- Avoid going to hospitals, nursing facilities or other medical treatment facilities unless it is necessary.
We are all in this together. America is a great resilient nation. We will overcome this threat, just like we did through all-natural disasters, 9/11 and so much more.
We are united with you.
Mary Guardino and The staff of Freedom from Fear