The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created sudden changes and uncertainty for all of us. Our routines have been disrupted in ways that none of us could have imagined even a few short weeks ago. ModernTherapy is committed to supporting your mental health whether that be through our counselors or through various community supports. We’ve compiled a list of resources with various self-care and support topics ranging from anxiety resources to mindfulness techniques.

Social distancing has become crucial in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. However, this can feel lonely and isolating, especially if you typically are on your own whether in your work life or personal life. For many, connecting via social media has become the new norm. Whether being on your own is something you are used to or not, the differences at present are valid and can take a toll on anyone.

We are always encountering stressful situations and have to determine the best ways to manage these in order to reduce anxiety and fear. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, it is easy to feel fear and anxiety, amidst a global crisis. There is uncertainty around many things at present however this does not mean that you cannot use strategies to remain in the present and turn your thoughts away from those anxieties to other thoughts as well as ideas around what the future may hold at the end of this experience. There are strategies that can be used to remain in the present moment, pushing forward through anxiety.

Martin Seligman, one of the founding fathers of Positive Psychology, recommends the “Put It In Perspective” exercise to help refocus the brain and reduce anxiety. This practice focuses first on deciding the worst-case scenario, which our brains typically tend to do first, moves to the best-case scenario, and then settles on the most likely scenario. In this way, thoughts move from those that are irrational to those that are rational.

It remains uncertain how long this pandemic will last or the true impact it will have. Additionally, we still know little about the virus itself and how it impacts our daily lives moving forward. We still need to figure out what concerns we should have, as there are so many unknowns. However, what we do know right now is that everyone is impacted by this pandemic. Thus, it is time for us all to come together for a common goal, and utilize positive coping strategies to work through the present moment and any negative feelings that arise. This notion also gives comfort as we know we are not alone, we are all experiencing this.

Right now, for many of us, the world is an uncertain, and at times, scary place. We may feel hopeless and unfocused at present, reading articles and watching reports that exacerbate those feelings. However, amidst this negativity there are many individuals engaging in acts of kindness and positivity, as well as acts of heroism as the world battles against COVID-19.

Obsessive thoughts, whether good or bad, are exhausting. These tips can give your mind a break and shift your thoughts in a new direction. Distracting yourself and shifting your awareness away from obsessive thoughts can ease them.

Whether a marriage, new home, baby, first job, or beginning college, transitions are common and can lead to both positive and negative feelings. While transitions can be amazing, they can also cause feelings of uncertainty and instability. However as you focus on the future transitions can be smoother. Taking care of yourself and reaching out to supports can help you find your inner peace when managing any large transition.

With technology growing and changing constantly, it makes sense that tech has begun to tackle mental health. While we love therapy, how can mental health apps supplement your weekly therapeutic work? There are a variety of tools to use, at your disposal.

In the moment, it can feel much easier to avoid something that makes us stressed or uncomfortable, rather than tackling it head on. However, active coping that aims to address a problem head on, as a way to alleviate stress. Active coping can look like talking through problems to alleviate relationship stress, reframing a situation in order to view the positives of it, or budgeting to reduce financial stress amongst other ways of coping. No matter what active coping approach you take, the ongoing benefits lead to a happier and healthier sense of being.