Practice 'physical distancing,' not 'social distancing'

Practice ‘physical distancing’, not ‘social distancing’

Patch News: March 23, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly is overwhelming us, causing fear, anxiety and stress with so many unknowns and unanswered questions.

If you are worried, panicked or scared, you are not alone. Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW, clinical director of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health in Royal Oak, offers some advice to help alleviate your fears, manage your stress, and help you effectively cope with this pandemic that is consuming everyone’s life – physically and emotionally.

·First, we need to practice “physical distancing,” not “social distancing,” he announces. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are to stay at least six feet apart from each other to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.

·Make sure you have the facts. The media is deluging us with information, but the real source of truth is The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov. “This website is where consumers will find credible, reliable and up-to-date information from the nation’s leading medical experts,” Dr. Kort notes.

·Don’t climb on the runaway train. Do you really need a stockpile of toilet paper or are you rushing to the store every spare minute you have because the media continues to talk about empty grocery shelves, creating needless panic? When you heard concerts were canceled, restaurants were closed for table service and gatherings with more than 15 people were postponed, did you feel a sense of panic? “Don’t overthink this or obsess over these precautionary steps businesses are taking,” Dr. Kort urges. “They want to stop the virus from spreading; it doesn’t mean you are in danger. Focus on what you can control and take your own preventive steps. Prepare without panicking,” he advises.

·For parents, it especially is important to maintain a sense of calmness and peace in your household. Discuss COVID-19 with your children as needed and in understandable, not fearful words. Try not to make COVID-19 the only topic of discussion in your home. “Your children will sense your stress. You don’t want to worry them unnecessarily,” Dr. Kort explains.

·Take breaks from watching television, reading the newspaper or listening to the radio for the latest updates on COViD-19. “This only will heighten our stress and anxiety,” Dr. Kort finds. “Stress can weaken the immune system and make people sick. And worrying is counterproductive. It serves no purpose except to make us more vulnerable to sickness.”

·Take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep, exercise, find time to relax, go outside for some fresh air or take your dog for a walk. Find the place in your mind that brings you happiness and peace, Dr. Kort urges.

·Avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs as a coping mechanism. “These are not solutions and only will intensify your feelings, especially for individuals who already are experiencing mental health issues,” Dr. Kort advises.

·Pull yourself back to reality, stay grounded, and move ahead with your life sensibly and armed with accurate information.

“This does not mean we should ‘socially’ distance ourselves,” he points out. “That is why I find ‘physically distancing’ the appropriate terminology. It is important – especially now – to stay socially connected with friends and family. Community building, togetherness and emotional connections through social media, telephone and webcam are essential for our mental health,” Dr. Kort adds. “In the face of a pandemic like this, we need to be there for each other.”

“Remember, we cannot get through this crisis alone,” Dr. Kort points out. “We need each other, and we have so many resources for support – a therapist, a physician, a nurse, your pastor. Reach out to these people for help and advice.”

If you feel you are struggling to keep your anxiety or stress under control, you may want to consider seeking the help of a mental health therapist. If you have a pre-existing mental health condition, Dr. Kort urges you to continue with your treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.

The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health has a team of highly qualified mental health professionals who can help you through your time of difficulty. Simply call the center at 248.399.7447 or visit the website at www.crsh.com to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you!

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