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STAYING STRONG WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING. Simple
Dr. Ghinassi. “Create ways to communicate with people who are important to you, using FaceTime, letters, phone calls or whatever medium you do best. And keep in mind that Snapchat and Instagram are oneway communication, not true socializing.”
“People have lost an control?’” Th e answer take advantage of that. Seek out your local important aspect of control lies in reintroducing mental health facility or call over their activities,” says predictability, to the the New Jersey Hopeline Frank Ghinassi, PhD, ABBP, degree possible in this at 855.654.6735. Call Senior Vice President, Behavioral unpredictable time. the RWJBarnabas Health and Addiction, RWJBarnabas Health Access Health, and President and CEO of Rutgers • Create a new routine. “Establish Center, which is University Behavioral Health Care. “As a a new set of patterns,” advises Dr. Ghinassi. available 24/7, at result, we’re seeing a lot of people feeling “Go to bed and get up in a regular way. 800.300.0628.” stressed—and even a little more than that, Eat at set intervals, not all day long just feeling distressed. because you’re not far from the refrigerator. • And take heart.
“We all had a rhythm and routine for Work out or take a walk regularly. Th ese “We’ll get through this,” says our days,” he continues, “from what time new routines will become familiar and Dr. Ghinassi. “Humans are enormously we took a shower to how we dressed for comforting.” adaptable. Th rough millennia of work to the kinds plagues, famines, wars and of things we did for • Make plans to socialize pestilence, we’ve risen to every fun. Now all of those with others. “Meaningful challenge. It’s in our DNA. old rhythms are connection with family We’re going to learn and challenged, and that and friends is not going to restructure, draw strength from makes people feel happen automatically,” says each other and fi nd solutions.” confused and off - balance.”
While that’s a For help accessing mental health services, call the perfectly normal RWJBarnabas Health Access Center at 800.300.0628. FRANK GHINASSI, PHD reaction, Dr.
• Build a new set of activities that give
you pleasure. “A lot of things we like to do can’t happen now because they involve STAYING STRONG going to crowded places like movie theaters, restaurants, concerts and stadiums. We need to fi nd activities that will bring us WHILE SOCIAL pleasure and are doable within our current limitations,” says Dr. Ghinassi. “Th at could involve playing or listening to music, streaming fi lms, gardening, painting or any DISTANCING other enjoyable hobby.”
If social distancing has led to behaviors that could be destructive, such as overeating or drinking too much, or SIMPLE STEPS CAN HELP YOU REGAIN A FEELING OF CONTROL. if the blues have crossed the line into depression, don’t hesitate to reach out T he COVID-19 pandemic has brought all kinds of uncertainty— to our fi nances, our health Ghinassi says it’s important to take the next step. “Ask yourself, ‘What can I do in this new reality to help myself for help. “Th ere are many front doors to behavioral healthcare,” Dr. Ghinassi says. “You can ask a trusted healthcare provider to recommend a counselor. If your employer and our ability to make plans. feel better and more in has an Employee Assistance Program,
