Coping Mentally While in Crisis

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             As we continue praying for each other and our brothers and sisters around the world, the health and awareness ministry wants to share some helpful resources and tips to help everyone cope in a healthy way. Managing your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic is imperative for your health. The coronavirus pandemic not only poses a threat to our physical safety, but it also poses a threat to our mental health. The outbreak of coronavirus disease may be stressful for some people and not so much for others because everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  Many of you may be worried about being contaminated, anxiety about you and/or loved ones getting ill, preoccupation with possible signs or symptoms of the illness, losing your job, or increasing job hours. All these concerns and worries can affect your mental health. Please know that just because you have concerns, anxiety, or worries, that does not mean you don’t have faith and don’t believe God is in control. Depression, anxiety, fears, or worries are normal behaviors that human beings have when they are going through a traumatic event and in crisis. Going through this health pandemic is very traumatic and that’s why it is important to find healthy coping mechanisms to manage your emotions.

 

POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS

Many people are experiencing symptoms of acute stress, which may include:
  1. Shock, feeling unreal, emotionally detached, or numb
  2. Anxiety which may include shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and other panic attack symptoms
  3. Hopelessness and/or Helplessness
  4. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  5. Increased irritability or anger
  6. Crying more often than usual
  7. Sleep problems
  8. Increased or decreased appetite
  9. n  Feeling more fatigued
  10. Headache, stomach ache, or other pain

 

HEALTHY COPING MECHANISMS

  1. Prayer and devotion
  2. Don’t forget that the church has a prayer meeting every night and bible study on Wednesday at 7:00 PM by teleconference. The teleconference line is (339) 209-6901. We encourage everyone to take part in prayer meetings. There, you can connect with Pastors Feder and Pierre and other church members.
  3. Also, you can join Sunday service via the church website, YouTube channel, Facebook, or teleconference.
  4. Remind yourself that this situation is temporary and will pass.
  5. Think of other times you have overcome adversity.
  6. Reach out to the people you love and value even from afar. Connections to people keep us emotionally healthy.
  7. Prioritize healthy eating and sleep habits.
  8. Participate in some physical activity, which can help boost your immune system and energy levels, improve your sleep, and decrease stress.
  9. Create regular “no-coronavirus” zones personally and with others. That means don’t overexpose yourself with the news coverage or social media regarding COVID-19. Too much exposure to the news can heighten levels of stress, anxiety, fears, frustrations, and isolation.
  10. Keep doing what you enjoy and what relaxes you, such as listening to music, praying, watching TV, talking to friends, taking a bath, cooking, etc.
  11. Don’t underestimate the power of breathing. Wherever you are, focus on breathing in, holding your breath for a few seconds, and breathing out.

 

The following are additional resources and articles to help you cope mentally:
 
A resource from Tracy Rosenfeld: https://www.scientificamerican.com/report/feeling-cooped-up-heres-how-to-stay-healthy-sharp-and-sane/

 

2 Corinthians 1:10 reminds us "God has rescued us from a terrible death, and he will continue to rescue us. Yes, he is the one on whom we have set our hope, and he will rescue us again."