Coping with COVID-19: FACE COVID Approach
Change is hard…
and right now there is a whole lot of change going on!
Currently, COVID-19 is taking over everything. It is showing up on the nightly news, nonstop channels dedicated to running the news 24/7 with countdowns, and it is in your email inbox from all the companies you have ever shopped at or entered your email address into (it’s okay to hit that ‘unsubscribe’ link in the small print at the bottom). It’s the topic of conversation at your (virtual) happy hour and let us not forget social media.
Anxiety and worry are normal when changes happen. Allowing yourself to recognize and name your feelings is important.
It has possibly changed your daily routine, made you more aware of certain things (um hello?!? How many times an hour do I seriously touch my face?!?), and even the way we have interacted with our loved ones. There are lots of thoughts, stressors, and worries that are happening. The COVID-19 anxiety is overwhelming.
It’s impact has created a ripple effect. Our worries become focused on our health, the health of our family members, our finances, and living ability. Grieving the loss of people we know, “normal life”, or evening that vacation you were looking forward to and had planned out and banking on the past few months (I hope to see you soon Mickey and Minnie Mouse).
Coping with covid-19 Anxiety
This week I have made it an emphasis and priority to speak with my clients about the importance of acknowledging the thoughts and feelings that are coming up for them instead of trying to avoid them or push them off. Often anxious folks really try hard to avoid feeling the unpleasant stuff. It’s natural. Anxiety does not want us to confront or make friends with such unpleasant feelings.
Befriend the unpleasant feelings?!?!? (Yeah, it’s kinda a thing but more on that in another post.)
Experiencing feelings of anxiety and worrisome thoughts are normal right now. Using FACE COVID by Dr. Russ Harris is a great tool and reminder right now how to deal with what is coming up.
Something I have found helpful and shared with my clients stems from the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A lot of my sessions working with anxiety treatment clients revolve around mindfulness and working to recognize and explore their feelings. Changing the relationship they have with their feelings. So I’m loving this gem of a resource! It combines acknowledging (not avoiding) feelings, identifying what is within your control, and being present with yourself.
Dr. Russ Harris shares how to help FACE COVID by recognizing and acknowledging what is happening internally and ways to help manage feelings that may come up.
These practices are an important part of the therapy process I use with my clients regularly. They are so versatile and important concepts to use whether you are facing challenges presented by COVID-19 or symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Full link below.
Check out some of these other helpful blog posts.
What to Expect When You Start Anxiety Therapy
Understanding the Difference Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack
I hope you find this helpful and if you’re interested in taking it a step further to explore what is going on for you, feel free to reach out!
If you are interested in working together in therapy to work through your anxiety, you can contact me for a free 15 minute consultation.
Be well and stay safe.
Calm Waters Counseling offers online therapy to anyone located in Maryland and North Carolina.
Written by: Laura Rippeon, LCSW, LCSW-C
https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FACE-COVID-eBook-by-Russ-Harris-March-2020.pdf
Updated 3/12/23