Categories: Mental Health

Ask a Therapist: How to Manage Mental Health During a Pandemic [Video]

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety is normal. Many people are feeling worried, afraid, or are struggling with boredom and isolation. Loss of income, disconnection from social support networks, and other factors make it difficult for us to rely on our usual sources of stability and comfort. As therapists, we want to help address your pandemic anxiety and provide tools to increase your self-care through this season. That’s why we hosted a Facebook Live Q&A event to answer questions from our community about how to manage mental health during this difficult time.

If you’re looking for tips and suggestions on how to manage your mental health right now, we hope you’ll enjoy this recording of our Q&A event. This video features a few of our staff therapists: Alea DiGirolamo, Ashley Mead, Christy O’Shoney, James Colter, Kimia Moghadam, and Director Joe Zagame. We want to thank everyone who attended and submitted your questions. Your participation made this such a lively and engaging event, and it was our pleasure to offer our support during this challenging time.

Questions answered during the Q&A

I find myself feeling so overwhelmed and not knowing how to manage that. What does someone do with this general feeling of anxiety and overwhelm?
I notice that I’m drinking more than usual. Starting earlier in the day, having more than normal. Should I be concerned about it?
Everyone else is being productive during this time, working out, learning a new skills, launching a side project, and I can barely manage to make it through the day without breaking down. How can I motivate myself to do more?
My partner and I live in a small apartment and find ourselves fighting a little more than normal, any thoughts on how to break the tension?
Any advice for anyone out there who live by themselves and miss giving/receiving hugs to/from their loved ones?
When social distancing guidelines relax, there will be differences of opinions about seeing family and friends that have not been in our bubble. Any advice to manage that?
How do I reassure my young children that they should not worry about what they cannot control when sometimes I’m feeling anxious myself?
I find myself obsessed with what’s going on in the news. And can’t stop watching. There is so much information about the virus out there I don’t know where to focus my attention. How do I manage the newsflow?
Should Couples add extra stress in their relationship by talking about what the world may be look like when this is over?
What would you say to a pregnant mother during this time? Any advice for how mentally prepare for bringing a child into this world during all this uncertainty?

If you are looking for extra support during this time, reach out to us to explore Teletherapy.

Offers individual, couples and group counseling. He facilitates the Gay Men’s Therapy Group on Monday and Tuesday evenings. He specializes in LGBTQ, trauma and relationship issues.

Latest posts by Joseph A. Zagame, LCSW – NYC Therapist (see all)

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