MANAGING STRESS AND EXPECTATIONS
DUE TO THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19
Taking charge of our health and well-being is more important
than ever as we continue to face and overcome the
challenges of COVID-19. It’s also important to recognize
that feeling anxious and stress right now is completely
normal. Our bodies and brains may experience unexpected
changes as we attempt to adjust to the current reality,
so it’s understandable that healthcare providers are seeing
a rise in behavioral health changes and needs in both children
and adults.
One of our goals as behavioral health professionals
is to remind everyone that mental health is
just as important as physical health,” says Dr.
Jessica Tomasula, a licensed pediatric psychologist
and manager of behavioral health services
“
at WakeMed Children’s. “We consider whole-person care the
standard of care – because we cannot have physical health without
mental health.” Just like you’d never ignore an infection, illness, or
injury, it’s important not to ignore the common signs that you or
your child(ren) may be struggling emotionally.
Dr. Nerissa Price, psychiatrist and medical director for WakeMed
Behavioral Health Community Case Management, recommends
checking our emotional temperature. Ask yourself each day, “How
am I doing?” If you realize that you are not doing well and your
emotional health is not where it should be, seek help. “We can bolster
our emotional health and build our resilience towards adversity
by taking steps now,” she says.
We asked WakeMed to share a few more ways to help manage our
own emotional well-being.
– Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself time to express
your sadness over missed opportunities, anxiety over the un-
k
known, and stress over managing your daily juggling act.
20 CIRCA Magazine | October • November • December 2020 | www.circamagazine.com
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