Bill Persinger, TSR member and CEO of Valeo Behavioral Health Care, offers helpful information to stay healthy mentally during COVID-19.
It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time. Notice and accept how you feel. Taking care of your emotional health during this time will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Self-care Is very important and will help your long-term healing.
People with mental health conditions should continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms. Valeo’s Crisis Center, 400 SW Oakley Ave., is always open for mental health emergencies. It is a walk-in clinic and you do not need an appointment to seek help.
Here are a few steps to help cope with the pandemic:
- Take care of your body – Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. Learn more about coping strategies for mental health.
- Connect with others while social distancing – Call, email, FaceTime or Zoom family and share your concerns and how you are feeling,
- Take breaks – Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try taking in deep breaths. Try to do activities you usually enjoy.
- Stay informed – When you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities.
- Avoid too much exposure to the news – Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly.
- Seek help when needed – If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to a pastor, counselor, doctor, or contact Valeo’s Crisis Line which is answered 24/7 by licensed clinicians. The Crisis Line number is 785-234-3300.
Let’s Take a Break!
How are you taking care of yourself during COVID-19? Walking, reading, baking, fishing, sewing? Post your relaxation breaks on your social media and tag @TopekaSouthRotary #TSRConnectsTopeka #TSR