As we ride out the COVID-19 pandemic together, people may experience a variety of emotions or symptoms. This includes anger, anxiety, nightmares, and insomnia. Lane County Public Health's Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Coodinator says this is a normal response and offered some ways to cope.
Roger Brubaker called it the curve behind the COVID-19 curve. Where collective trauma is felt as people experience the loss of loved ones, fear for their safety, financial hardships, or feel extreme disconnect. He's felt some symptoms of his own, he said, but it's okay.
“We’re experiencing new feelings, or an emotional intensity that we’ve never felt before. This isn’t a sign of weakness, these are simply signs of being human in extraordinary times,” he said during Lane County's daily press conference.
“We’re grieving for what has been lost and anxious about the future. The lack of certainty about what we can rely on can feel absolutely maddening and overwhelming sometimes.”
Brubaker recommend a few tips including practicing mindfulness. He suggested Greater Good Magazine and the website Now Matters Now as useful resources. He added human connection and reaching out when you need support is critical.
“Even more importantly, reach out to those you may be concerned about who aren’t reaching out themselves. It can be as simple as asking someone 'How are you holding up today?'” he said.
For those in need of behavioral healthcare services, Brubaker said most providers are still providing telehealth services and are accepting patients in Lane County.
“I’m doing that myself,” he said, “I didn’t like the transition from in-person at first, but I’m getting used to it and it’s really helping me get through the week.”
Brubaker added having a routine that includes sleep and exercise is a good idea. Exercise can be substituted for breathing techniques, he said, and expressing gratitude for good news can also help.
“This is hard, but I’m also seeing a lot of good in the world. I’m seeing people selling masks to one another, purchasing and donating food, leaving notes in chalk on sidewalks,” he said.
Other tips from Brubaker include limiting screen time, tracking drug and alcohol use, and taking a break from COVID-19 news every now and then.
“Simple steps to care for our minds and bodies will help us feel more resilient and prepared for continued social distancing and allow us to see it not only as a personal burden, but as a collective effort to keep everyone safe and healthy.”
Need help?
- If you, or someone you know is considering suicide call the 24/7 National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or chat online here.
- Whitebird 24/7 Helpline: 1-541-657-4000 | 1-800-422-7558
- Hourglass Community Crisis Center 24/7 Helpline: 1-541-505-8426
- TREVOR Project (For LGBTQ+ Youth) 24/7 Helpline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
