So much has changed these last few weeks with COVID-19. The need for social distancing, stay at home orders and the uncertainty of how long we will be in this extraordinary situation. I feel blessed to have the ability to work from home, but it comes with its own stressors. My stressors; however present, pale in comparison to the healthcare providers in the trenches or those that don’t even have the option to work from home. It’s important for our mental health that we stay connected emotionally while we support each other, our patients, healthcare providers and families.
Zoom is a video conferencing service, that can be free for up to 40min. Skype, Google Duo, and making a phone call versus sending a text message can also be great ways to connect. Yoga, stretching, meditation or some additional forms of exercise can also provide some relief. Even with all the gym’s closures, there are great at home options. For example, Planet Fitness is offering in home exercise options with their free app. In addition, Beach Body is a great service that can be streamed on your tv, computer or phone app, and it is free for your first two weeks. FitOn is another app that is always free with great options.
Please see below for additional resources:
Our very own Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist has excellent information.
https://www.diabeteseducator.org/practice/practice-tools/app-resources/covid-19-information
The American Diabetes Association has some great mental health tips to pass on to your patients. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/mental-health
Those in Domestic Violence situations are in especially stressful and compromising situations.
https://www.thehotline.org/help/
The CDC also has some great information and resources that can be used to help. There are also some important numbers for Hotlines including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm
On the Diabetes Education Services website, you can find some great tips on managing stress while at home.
https://diabetesed.net/10-mental-health-strategies-while-we-stay-at-home/?cn-reloaded=1
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html