As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and social distancing becomes the new normal, we have seen rapid expansion of digitally delivered peer and family support. In this post, we explore emerging issues and considerations for using technology to reach others. The use of technology to offer peer support is a practice that has been around for…
Anyone who has gone through a traumatic event can develop symptoms of stress disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although the COVID-19 pandemic in general would not meet the criteria for formally causing a stress disorder, many of the same issues can result from such a widespread and overwhelming event. The pandemic could be…
More people are being exposed to infection as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow, resulting in an increased need for quarantines. The fear, stress and stigma associated with being quarantined can be damaging to one’s mental health. The differences between isolation, quarantine and social distancing The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Edith Calamia, DO, MPH, CMD, was a teenager when she saw the impact that lack of access to clean water, food insecurities, and unreliable access to care could have on vulnerable populations. As a young woman Dr. Calamia traveled to the Philippines during summer vacations. There, she would assist her brother, a dentist, in small…
While the pandemic may be causing you and your loved ones feelings of anxiety and apprehension, now is a good time to look for reasons to be happy. Practice these tips to nurture yourself, improve your mood and help others. Be kind. Call your friends and neighbors. Maintain social distancing, but smile to all the…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase public awareness of mental health conditions. We can break down the stigma by ending the silence. About 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness. It is important to be able to talk openly about it to get people the help they need. It…
The stress of COVID-19 can present many challenges to those who are in recovery. In particular, social distancing is limiting people’s ability to get support from friends, family and support groups. Connection to others in recovery is a big part of the solution for many in recovery. Meetings make people feel supported and understood in…
COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. The stress of social distancing and loss of routine, compounded with health and job concerns, has caused grief and anxiety levels to increase. What we thought of as “normal” is in transition, and we need to redefine how to cope with these changes. Reasons people feel grief…