Tips on Self-Care for Essential Employees During COVID-19

Sound Mind Therapy expresses appreciation to all essential workers – from grocery store employees to truck drivers to health care workers – who are serving our communities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that this is a stressful and overwhelming time, and we applaud your courage!

A traumatic event, such as a pandemic, can have lasting effects on mental health. In late April, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 56% of U.S. adults state their mental health and well-being have been negatively affected by the coronavirus outbreak, and the percentage jumped to 64% of frontline health care workers and their families. 

Caring for Yourself

If you are feeling worry or stress that is resulting in problems such as sleep disturbance, overeating or poor appetite, anger, increased drug or alcohol use, frequent headaches or stomachaches, and worsening of chronic health conditions, self-care is crucial. Here are some self-care tips that we hope will keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy during this time.

• Avoid close contact in the workplace. Maintain physical distance from coworkers and others while working and when on break. Wear a mask for protection and store your phone and other personal items away from other people.
• Observe healthy hygiene habits. Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, while in the workplace and before you leave to go home. Use hand sanitizer if soap is not available. Take a shower after arriving home. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at work and at home.
• Monitor your health. If you experience known symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, call your doctor and stay home.
• Talk to someone. It’s normal to feel anxiety in this situation. Talk to a family member, friend or professional therapist about your feelings. If you are experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Unplug and unwind. Try to maintain a healthy routine. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and participate in activities that you enjoy to reduce stress levels. Regularly disconnect from work and media coverage.
• Stay positive. Remind yourself that your work matters and you are helping people every day!

Schedule an Appointment Today

If these self-care strategies don’t work, consider reaching out to Sound Mind Therapy. We’re here to serve those affected with extended hours and same-day appointments for counseling services, including videoconferencing appointments. Call our office at (314) 499-9144 or complete our online appointment request form to schedule an appointment.