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    1275 W Granada Blvd, 6A, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
    Contact Kathleen: (610) 248-0059
    Email Kathleen: kcoughlinlcsw@gmail.com

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    COVID 19

    Psychological Impact COVID-19

    April 10, 2020

    We are all experiencing the psychological impact of COVID-19 during this uncertain time locally and globally.  Individually, people are experiencing an emotional impact based on the life changes occurring around them.  We can remain socially united as a community by supporting one another during this global crisis. Common Terms: Social Isolation, Self-Isolation, Social Distancing and […]

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    Psychological Impact COVID-19

    April 10, 2020

    We are all experiencing the psychological impact of COVID-19 during this uncertain time locally and globally.  Individually, people are experiencing an emotional impact based on the life changes occurring around them.  We can remain socially united as a community by supporting one another during this global crisis.

    Common Terms: Social Isolation, Self-Isolation, Social Distancing and Physical Separation

    The terms Social Isolation, Self-Isolation, Social Distancing, and Physical Separation, have changed how we interact with one another.  Many people have gone from working full-time to being furloughed or laid off.  Others have gone from working in an office environment to being socially isolated working from home.

    Symptom Monitoring

    Psychological Impact COVID-19 can take a toll on your emotional health and the emotional health of  loved ones.  Common psychological symptoms and reactions may include: anxiety, depression, fear of leaving the house, excessive worry, feeling overwhelmed, increased substance use, loneliness, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, racing thoughts, social withdrawal, sleep issues, stress, and other symptoms.   Moderate to severe symptoms include: suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, completed suicide, increased substance use and abuse, post-traumatic stress responses, self-harming behavior, and substance abuse overdoses.  Focus on prevention, if you know someone experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms. Listen with an empathetic ear, show care and compassion, and connect them with professional supports.

    Grief and Loss

    The general population is experiencing symptoms of depression, fear, and anxiety based on the global pandemic.  Other families are experiencing a deeper trauma losing a loved one to the COVID-19 virus.  Due to the health & safety of patients, hospitals have needed to limit visitors in the facility.  In some cases family members are not able to be present physically to console loved ones in their final moments.  This is very difficult for the patient and their family members, leaving living relatives with complex grief and trauma.  Health Care Providers have been going the extra mile to console patients and connect family members through FaceTime to say their final goodbyes.

    Continued Efforts to Protect Health Care Providers

    To continue to curb the spread of the virus, we continue to practice social distancing.  Consider the doctors, nurses, and essential workers that are risking their own health every day.  These providers are working diligently to save lives, they are also experiencing their own psychological impact from their careers.  It is our civic duty to follow the recommendations of the healthcare community.  These professionals continue to work each day to combat this global pandemic.

    “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

    Words of Encouragement

    Practice an Attitude of Gratitude, Live Your Life with Intention, and Purpose.   This pause in our country has given us time to evaluate what is important.  We now may have more free time that can be used to explore healthy self-care strategies.  Consider new opportunities where we can make intentional decisions about our future.

    We all wish to return to life as we knew it.  The psychological impact is strong and impacts people of all ages.  Make an effort to reach out to your neighbor.  Say hello to someone when you pass them on your bike or smile at a stranger.  Even a simple smile may be meaningful to a person that does not have any other social contact.   Many people are experiencing loneliness and intense grief and loss.

    Focus on mental health wellness, check your psychological pulse, and monitor your symptoms.  Develop a routine by getting enough sleep, maintaining healthy nutrition, and carving out time for exercise.

    Create Virtual Gatherings

    Be creative and increase social contact virtually with family and friends during this period of social isolation.  We can reach out to family and friends by phone calls, text messages, or FaceTime.  Schedule a virtual trivia night or dinner by using applications like Zoom, Houseparty, or Google Duo.

    Quick Tips to Prioritize Your Mental Health Wellness

    • Practice an Attitude of Gratitude
    • Focus on the positive things within your control
    • Exercise: walk, bike, practice yoga
    • Practice healthy eating and drink water
    • Take a break for fresh air and sunshine
    • Keep in contact with family and friends
    • Engage in hobbies and interests: Art, Journal Writing, Reading, etc.
    • Decrease your exposure to news, social media, and television
    • Monitor sleep hygiene and sleep habits
    • Take your medication and vitamins if prescribed
    • Focus on your personal quality of life
    • Schedule a Telehealth Counseling session with a Licensed Counselor if needed

    New Normal?

    What will be your new normal?  This is a question that will be answered over time and it will be different for each person.  During this time, stay strong, reach out to your support system, and monitor your psychological pulse.

    Access Counseling and Supportive Services

    There are multiple ways to receive access to mental health and substance abuse counseling.  Ask your Human Resources Department if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  These programs offer FREE Telehealth Counseling sessions for employees and their family members.  Telehealth Counseling is also offered as a service by most private insurance companies.  You can contact a local Licensed Counselor to schedule a Telehealth Counseling appointment.

    Telephone Hotlines

    The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers a 24/7 free and confidential service -1-800-273-8255.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free and confidential helpline for people struggling with addiction or mental health concerns – 800-662-4357.  If you require immediate psychiatric intervention, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

    To learn more about the counseling services offered at our office please visit our Telehealth Counseling Page.

    Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: anxiety, depression, lcsw, mental health awareness, ocean vista counseling, psychological impact covid-19, suicide prevention, telehealth counseling

    Telehealth Counseling COVID 19

    Your Mental Health During COVID 19

    April 1, 2020

    We have put together a list of some tips to manage your mental health during COVID 19.  Current events can add unnecessary stress to our lives, especially if you are someone that worries about the status of the world in general. News and media meant to provide information can lead to excessive worry and fear. […]

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    Your Mental Health During COVID 19

    April 1, 2020

    We have put together a list of some tips to manage your mental health during COVID 19.  Current events can add unnecessary stress to our lives, especially if you are someone that worries about the status of the world in general. News and media meant to provide information can lead to excessive worry and fear. An abundance of social media posts from friends and family can add to the stress that may overwhelm and impact our emotional health.

    If you are starting your day with news that causes fear and stress, spending free time scrolling through social media posts, having minimal social interactions, you may find that your nervous system in a constant state of arousal. This can lead to anxiety and cause disruptions in our sleep patterns.  Our immune system can be compromised when our bodies struggle to find ways to wind down. In order to stay healthy and do what you can to take care of your mental health, find ways to calm your system and clear your mind.  You might be asking how can we calm down our bodies and anxious thoughts during a time of stress and uncertainty?

    1. Get some exercise. Take a walk. You don’t have to touch anyone or anything. Spend some time moving around. Get some Vitamin D from the sunlight and try to clear your thoughts. You may want to listen to music or a podcast. Try to walk or ride a bike and notice the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy yourself. Use this time to lower the amount of information that you are bombarded with. Notice what is around you. The grass will continue growing and the flowers will bloom even when so much feels out of our control. 
    2. If you choose not to go outside, you can move around inside the house. Whether you find an at-home workout online or just walk around the house more.  If you have mobility challenges, you can also do stretches from a seated position.  Moving helps release the stress that your body is holding. Take ten minutes to stretch, breathing deeply while you do so. As you stretch your muscles and breathe into the movement, imagine your breath moving through your muscles and releasing the tension that you have been holding onto.
    3. Focus on what you can control, not what is out of your control. You cannot control that the virus happened. You cannot force others to abide by CDC and government recommendations. You CAN choose to limit your interaction with news or posts that increase your stress. You can practice the suggested hygiene habits. You are in control of how you interact with others and if you decide to avoid gatherings and public places.
    4. Create something. Color a coloring sheet, draw a picture, paint, or find things around your house that you can use to make some kind of craft. This gives you a sense of control, productivity, as well as a creative outlet.
    5. Eat something delicious. If you have more time available, you might have time to make a nice meal. Enjoy it! Try to eat some vegetables to nourish your body and fuel your immune system while you’re at it.
    6. Take your medicine as prescribed. If you are on any medications, make sure that you have your prescriptions filled and are taking your medications as prescribed. If you are having any issues, call the physician that prescribed the medication or call your pharmacy.
    7. Drink enough water. Staying home seems like a time to drink whatever you feel like, but make sure to be caring for your mind and body by staying hydrated.  In an effort to keep your immune system strong, it is important to stay hydrated and eat well.  Practicing both will help you manage your mental health during COVID-19.
    8. Realize that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Call your friends and family. You can utilize applications like Facetime, Google Hangouts, or Whats App to keep in contact with family members. Spend time with anyone that you live with. Smile or wave at others if you are outside.  Isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, or negative feelings. We can continue to interact with friends and family members by using the applications listed above to check in.
    9. Take advantage of the extra time. Fewer social obligations means that you have more time for personal projects around your home. Spring cleaning, painting, going through some old clothes that you can donate.  Clearing clutter can often be a way to help clear your mind and feel a little bit better about the day.
    10. Find ways to give back. Bring prepared food to someone that may be homebound or older. Donate some items. Send someone a nice card. By doing something for someone else it may help distract you, generating feelings of positivity and connectedness.
    11. Seek Telehealth Counseling Support.  If you need someone to talk to during this stressful time it may be helpful to reach out for professional counseling.  Telehealth Counseling is available.  Managing your mental health during COVID-19 is vital to keep yourself healthy. Telehealth Counseling may be approved by your insurance company during this time.  Please feel free to contact our office directly at 610-248-0059 or by Email: Kcoughlnlcsw@gmail.com.

    To learn more about the Online Telehealth Counseling Program at Ocean Vista Counseling please click here.

    To learn more about COVID-19 please visit the Centers for Disease Control by clicking here.

     

    Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: counseling, COVID-19, mental health awareness, telehealth counseling, therapy

    1275 W Granada Blvd, 6A
    Ormond Beach, FL 32174


    Kathleen Phone: (610) 248-0059
    Kathleen Email: kcoughlinlcsw@gmail.com

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    Kathleen Coughlin, LCSW
    Licensed Clinical Social Worker
    Behavioral Health Consultant

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    Email Kathleen: kcoughlinlcsw@gmail.com


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