(941) 462-4807 | 8470 Enterprise Circle, Suite 300, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Meg Young

My WordPress Blog

  • Meg Young
  • Home
  • Specialties
    • Therapy for First Responders
    • Therapy for Therapists, Social Workers, Counselors
    • Therapy for Medical Professionals and Veterinarians
    • Therapy for Probation, Parole, and Corrections Officers
  • Services
    • Therapy for Anxiety
    • Therapy for PTSD
    • EMDR
    • Online Therapy
    • Group Therapy
    • EMDR Certification and Independent Licensure
    • Professional and Life Coaching
  • Get Started
    • Appointment Request
    • Rates & Insurance
    • Client Portal
    • Make A Payment
    • FAQs
    • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
    • Yoga for Trauma Recovery
    • Relaxation
    • Community Events
    • Free opt-ins
  • Blog
  • Workshops
    • Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
  • Podcast
  • About
  • Contact

April 5, 2020 by Meg Young Leave a Comment

How to Cope with the Stress and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19

If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge.

Signs of Emotional Distress and 6 Ways to Cope

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but most will exhibit some of the following signs:

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

If you are experiencing significant stress right now, here are some ways you can cope:

1. Limit Media Consumption

Hearing the media constantly spread panic isn’t good for anyone. It’s important to stay rational and do your own research to uncover facts from fiction as well as stay positive.

2. Nurture Your Body and Spirit

Be sure to get outside for some fresh air and go for a walk. Eat right and make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Avoid consuming too much alcohol and try and find fun ways to reconnect with your family.

3. Tap into Your Sense of Fun

If you have kids, look to them for some good old-fashioned playtime. Play hide and seek in the house. Create an obstacle course in the back yard. Watch some of your favorite funny movies. Laughter really is the best medicine so get plenty of it!

4. Support Your Local Community

Many local businesses are hurting right now. If you’re still getting a paycheck, consider buying a gift card from a local restaurant, gym, hair salon, etc. to give them revenue now and you can use the card later. This will make you feel great at the same time.

5. Be a Role Model

Remember, your kids will ALWAYS look to you first to see how they should be thinking and feeling about something. So move about each day calmly and confidently and reassure your kids everything will be okay because it will be.

6. Use Your Time Constructively

For many of us, there is a silver lining in this situation in the form of extra time. What can you do with the extra time that isn’t being used to drive an hour or more each day in commuting? Focus on using this time wisely. Maybe you have an ever-growing list of home projects that you just never have time to tackle. Tackle them now, you’ll feel great about it later.

 

If you find yourself becoming too stressed or depressed during this time, I encourage you to connect with me. Speaking with a therapist can help you cope with the situation and navigate the days ahead. I am currently able to conduct sessions over the phone or via Skype, so you won’t even have to leave your home if your state is in lockdown.


SOURCES:

https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2020/03/covid-19-anxiety

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/behavioral/stress_covid19.pdf

Filed Under: Anxiety, General

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meg Young



(941) 462-4807
meg@megyounglcsw.com
Fax: (941) 348-1334

8470 Enterprise Circle, Suite 300
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Contact

Recent Posts

  • Nurturing Positive Relationships With Coworkers May 20, 2025
  • Mental Health Care for The Career Woman May 13, 2025
  • Setting Boundaries When Working From Home May 6, 2025

Office Hours


Tuesday: 8:00a-6:00p online only
Wednesday: 9:00a-1:30p in person; 2:30p-5:00p online only
Thursday: 8:00a-6:00p in person
Friday: 8:00a-10:00a online only; 11:00a-5:00p in person
Request an appointment
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Find My Office

Contact Information

8470 Enterprise Circle, Suite 300
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

(941) 462-4807
Fax: (941) 348-1334




See my Privacy Statement
Terms of Service
Good Faith Estimate

A Therapist Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy

Office Space for Rent in Lakewood Ranch!
Fully Furnished • Private • Professional

Looking for a quiet, beautiful space to see clients or do your best work?

Now available! A fully furnished office for rent right off the highway on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch – easy to access, with ample well-lit parking.

Perfect for:
– Therapists just starting out
– Wellness professionals growing their practice
– Coaches, consultants, or anyone ready to work in peace

Rent by the hour, day, or month; flexible options that grow with your goals.

Book a tour today and see if this peaceful, professional space is the right fit for your next chapter.

Contact Meg: 941-462-4807