Dr. Smerling was recently quoted in a piece about “Protecting your loved ones amid the coronavirus pandemic” for The Jerusalem Post.
“Even if you’re not on the frontline fighting COVID-19, this can be a triggering and very stressful time. “It’s important to continuously remind yourself that this, too, shall pass,” says psychotherapist, Dr. Kathryn Smerling.”
Staying positive during tough times
Even if you’re not on the frontline fighting COVID-19, this can be a triggering and very stressful time. “It’s important to continuously remind yourself that this, too, shall pass,” says psychotherapist, Dr. Kathryn Smerling. The below tactics, outlined by Smerling, can be helpful for staying positive, particularly for people who are prone to depression, but please remember to reach out for professional help if you’re unable to do the below.
• Find joy in the Internet: “There are many possibilities for group chats on the Internet, so social isolation doesn’t have to mean isolation from people,” says Smerling. “Also, watch funny YouTube videos or movies.” With remote production, online videos continue to be readily available.
• Connect with nature: While you might not be able to leave your home, order plants, get some fresh air by opening your windows or sitting outside if you have a balcony. Walk out and stand in front of your home for a few minutes if that’s an option.
• Help others: “Often the best antidote for depression is helping someone less fortunate than you are,” says Smerling. If you’re able to leave your home, volunteer to bring food to an elderly person or bake cookies and drop them off at a shelter. “Call community organizations to see what you can do to help.”
• Set goals: Set small goals and reward yourself when you accomplish them. “Small goals might be cleaning your bathroom, calling someone you haven’t spoken with in a year, doing a home workout, or baking a new recipe,” says Smerling.
• Make a daily gratitude list: Anything can be on it – from small things, like I had a great breakfast, to big things like my loved ones are home and healthy. Get into the habit of writing down three things when you wake up and three things before you go to bed.
To read the article, click here.