Local Health Experts Share Tips On Coping With Coronavirus Trauma

BONNEY LAKE, WA — The pandemic and resulting closures and restrictions have lasted months, and months, and months now. It's been hard, boring, and often sad hearing daily reports of deaths and illnesses caused by the coronavirus. It's not uncommon for many to wake up feeling just, kind of.. grey.

That's because this is a traumatizing event, writes Elizabeth Allen with the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department:

Grief can be a response to the loss of life. But now, you might also be grieving the loss of normal daily life, physical touch, special events, school, your job or business, or even going to the movies or a sporting event!

It’s OK to feel a sense of loss as you struggle to find a new normal. Life is difficult to navigate now, especially when it comes to your emotions. Powerless feelings can increase anxiety, depression and anger.

So, how can we cope with all the unhappiness around us? Allen says, it's important to reconnect with your community, find your sense of self, and try to reclaim control of your life through mindfulness.

Here's a few tips she's offering to find that sense of balance:

• Keep in contact with loved ones. Try calling, texting, or taking part in a video chat.
• Take a walk in the park.
• Think about what you can control, versus what you cannot.
• Focus on resilience and flexibility.
• Mind your mental health.
• Try to develop a new sense of purpose.
• Finally, focus on hope. Know that the pandemic won't last forever.

And if it does get too much to bear, know that there are resources available for those in crisis. You can always call the crisis hotline at (800) 273-8255. Those suffering from suicidal thoughts can also call the suicide hotline at (800) 273-8255 (TALK).

Read Allen's full advice on the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department blog.