How to Survive This

All of Illinois has been given a “Stay at Home Order” or asked to “Shelter In Place.” This means that through April 7 or until otherwise updated, we need to severely restrict our movements outside of our home. Here are frequently asked questions about what this means:  https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/stay-at-home-order-faq.html
 
We need to restrict non-essential travel to…

• Anywhere there might be groups over 25 (some say more than 5 people)
• Non-essential retail stores
• Gyms, health clubs, etc.
• Beauty and barber shops
• Recreational places like casinos, bowling alleys, etc.
• Bars, cafes, restaurants- while some may still provide delivery or curb-side pick-up

We still can…

• Go to work, if deemed essential
• Get groceries, gas, supplies
• Keep mental health and doctor’s appointments
• Go outdoors for walks, but restrict contact with others (especially groups)

 
This type of restriction is an inconvenience, yet is extremely important in order to stop the unintentional spread of this virus. Regardless of how healthy you may be, this is crucial to protect those who are more at risk, some that you might not even be aware of their health difficulties.
 
During this pandemic, mental health will be an issue for many people. Boredom, stress, fear, irritability are especially likely when people are forced to stay at home and restrict movement. Pay attention to your moods and your behavior. If you are showing the basic signs of stress, do not minimize its impact. Call your mental health provider if your mood or stress impacts your daily activities for several days in a row.
Pay close attention to hidden symptoms like…

• Changes in energy, sudden drops or increases of activity and motivation, difficulty or increases in sleeping
• Excessive worries, crying, irritability, arguments, etc.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs.
• Difficulty asking for or accepting help
• Loss of enjoyment in pleasurable activities or difficulty in one’s ability to relax

 
Here are some guidelines to help cope:

• Talk about your feelings. Call a friend, therapist, pastor.
• Make decisions, not just be impulsive. More time at home can mean more impulsive snacking for example. Plan your activities and your meals. Ask yourself at the start of the day what you need to get done, as well as what you want to do. Modify as needed and monitor excesses.
• Limit certain activities. Be aware of overexposure to news and social media which can increase worrying. Limit alcohol and recreational drug use. Also monitor mindless activities or games, etc. which in moderation can be a healthy escape, but in excess can mask symptoms.
• Vary activities. Alternate between quiet and more active events. Ex: Exercise, then read, then play a game, practice yoga, meditate or pray, call a friend, do some chores, go for a walk, etc. Or have a work day then a play day.
• Other helpful suggestions can be found at: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/how-cope-sheltering-place

 
Remember, we are social creatures. As much as we may not acknowledge it, we do need people. Just because we are being asked to keep a distance from others, it doesn’t mean we need to be lonely. It is important to reach out, give assistance, check-in with loved ones, ask for support. Don’t suffer alone!
 
Dave Howser, M.Div., LCPC is a psychotherapist and pastoral counselor at North Shore Baptist Church. To inquire about services, please call Dave at (773)450-3395.