During these difficult and confusing times, it’s important that we all rally together to help one another. This week, we’re releasing daily blog posts with ideas for how your clinic can help the people in your community.

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 is certainly adding stress to the lives of millions of people. As an ABC News article reports, “COVID-19 has evoked fear in our lives in a way that hasn’t been felt since the 9/11 terrorist attack.” It goes on to say that, with an estimated 7 million Americans already suffering from generalized anxiety disorder and another 6 million from panic disorder, those numbers are expected to rise as fear spikes, job loss becomes more widespread, and isolations/quarantines continue.

 

Similarly, feelings of depression are expected to be on the rise as loneliness and isolation become more common. Support systems are going to be harder to find due to social distancing and isolation.

 

Who is At Risk

Everyone in the country is susceptible to fear-induced stress right now. However, certain groups that may be more vulnerable to feelings of anxiety or depression include people who are in the higher risk categories, children/teens, healthcare providers, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions (CDC). When speaking with your clients, be on the lookout for signs of stress such as:

• Excessive worry over big things (like the virus) as well as small things
• Changes in eating/sleeping patterns, including too much food/sleep or too little
• Difficulty concentrating
• Chronic health problem flare-ups
• Increased usage of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

 

How to Mitigate the Effects

The CDC outlines the following recommendations for those experiencing extra stress during these times. If you’re talking with a client who is exhibiting signs of anxiety or depression, you can suggest:

• Taking breaks from news and social media. The constant flow of bad news can create a cycle of fear and anxiety that’s hard to break out of.
• Exercising and eating healthy meals. The endorphins from exercise act as mood boosters, while healthy foods provide much-needed nutrients that can help people feel balanced.
• Doing enjoyable activities to unwind. Encourage your clients to pursue hobbies that can take their minds off current events.
• Calling or video-chatting with friends and family. We live in a time where communication doesn’t have to take place in person — staying connected to others can help people feel grounded during isolation.
• Continuing with current mental health treatments. People should keep taking medications they’ve been prescribed.

 

Some other suggestions include: maintaining a daily routine, setting an alarm to get up at the same time every morning, keeping up with personal hygiene (even if you don’t plan to leave the house), and seeking out tele-health options or online therapy.

 

During unprecedented times like this, try to make contact with your clients and check in on them regularly. Even those that seem to be handling the stress well could be quietly suffering, so it’s a good idea to communicate these suggestions to all of your clients.

 

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During these difficult and confusing times, it’s important that we all rally together to help one another. This week, we’re releasing daily blog posts with ideas for how your clinic can help the people in your community.

We’re going to start by talking about getting help for victims of domestic violence. During this time of social isolation and quarantining, some people are unfortunately being forced to shelter in unsafe situations. According to an article by NBC News, the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline says domestic violence survivors are already feeling the impact of the outbreak. With more access to their victims, and an increase in stressors, abusers are reacting in dangerous ways. And with one in four women and one in seven men experiencing domestic abuse, it’s likely that some of your clients fall into this category. So, what can you do to help?

Be on the Lookout

First, it’s important to know the signs of domestic violence. You’re likely conducting appointments via phone or video, and not in person, so it can be hard to see the physical signs, like bruises or swelling. However, you can pay attention to what your clients say. Be on the lookout for these signs of abuse, as outlined by Mayo Clinic:

• Does the client have difficulty contacting you? Abusers often restrict victims’ access to healthcare.
• Do they mention having to ask their partner for money? Abusers like to control their victims’ spending.
• Does the client seem timid or anxious? They might be worried their abuser is monitoring their conversations, and are afraid of saying the wrong thing.
• Do they have low self-esteem or use hurtful language when talking about themselves? They may have internalized verbal abuse they’ve heard from their abuser.

Find Ways to Help

If you suspect a client you’re working with might be a victim of domestic violence, you’ll have to tread carefully. Many won’t ask for help or won’t feel safe seeking assistance. Here are some ways you can reach out:

• Post a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline website on your  agency’s Facebook page. During discussions with clients, you can say something as innocuous as, “Check our Facebook page for helpful information.” This way, if an abuser is listening in, they won’t be tipped off.
• If you get a chance to speak with a client privately, encourage them to check their computer for spyware and check vehicles for GPS. Though most people will be staying at home during this time, let them know that in an emergency, they can still call 911 or seek out a police station.
• Let clients know that phone usage is sometimes monitored, so they need to be careful about how they use their devices, including finding safe times to do so.
• Forward or post to Facebook information for local women’s shelters or crisis centers. Some people may not feel comfortable calling a national hotline, but might be more open to seeking help locally.