University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Alena S. Petty, DO, answers common questions about the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
Should people stop seeking mental health care during this time?
This time of stress and confusion is definitely not the time to stop mental health care. Although many offices are reducing in-person appointments, most are offering telephone or virtual video sessions to follow physical distancing guidelines while maintaining availability to support those in need. There are also several wellness iPhone apps that provide free services, especially to health care workers.
What should someone do to cope if they cannot work from home?
Maintain physical distance, wash hands, and remember that the vast majority of people who get the coronavirus have only mild symptoms.
Is it important to practice mindfulness during this time?
It is always a good time to practice mindfulness! A guided mindfulness program can start with just a couple of minutes, and more regular practice will allow you to apply mindfulness to help stay calm during stressful events. Here are some helpful resources:
- Mindful.org: an online resource for beginners to mindfulness
- Headspace: a guided meditation app
- Insight Timer: a meditation timer with guided meditations
Are there ways to embrace a more mindful approach to working from home?
Definitely. Using mindfulness techniques while working from home can help reduce distractions and keep focused. Following a schedule, using a dedicated space and scheduling breaks can help maintain productivity.
For those who do not experience anxiety normally, what would you tell someone who is experiencing ‘virus anxiety’?
Consider limiting time checking or watching the news, remember that most people who get the coronavirus will have only mild symptoms, and maintain good self-care.
Coping with anxiety and depression while social distancing
UA College of Medicine, Phoenix psychiatrist and clinical professor offers ways to keep anxious thoughts at bay. While social distancing is the best course of action for containing the Covid-19 pandemic, for those with anxiety and depression, isolation can sometimes exacerbate their symptoms.
“These thoughts can easily trend negative unless you’ve been trained through counseling or therapy to recognize and challenge them,” says Alena Petty, doctor of osteopathic medicine, psychiatrist and clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix.
She recommends staying connected with loved ones digitally and practicing self-care and mindfulness.
“Think about rephrasing the term ‘social distancing’ to ‘physical distancing,’ since social connectedness is as important as ever. Schedule time to meet with friends or loved ones through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or other similar platforms,” she said. A simple phone call works wonders.
Petty also suggests introducing self-care activities like keeping a gratitude journal, maintaining an exercise routine and going outside for walks while maintaining physical distance.
If you are working from home, it’s a good time to start a mindfulness practice.
“Using mindfulness techniques while working from home can help reduce distractions and keep focused,” she said. “Following a schedule, using a dedicated space and scheduling breaks can help maintain productivity.”
Here are some mindfulness resources:
- Mindful.org: an online resource for beginners to mindfulness.
- Headspace: a guided meditation app.
- Insight Timer: a meditation timer with guided meditations.
- Stop, Breathe, Think: an app that checks how you feel and offers mindful remedies.
- Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer: an app filled with daily at-home exercises.
- Daily Yoga: an app with yoga practices for beginners.
