Have you been extra forgetful lately? Felt absent-minded, or had trouble sleeping? That’s normal. Chronic stress can cause problems with concentration, irritability, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite. The neuroscientist Dean Burnett says that “one thing the human brain is incredibly good at is finding stuff to worry about, and when it does, it activates the ‘fight or flight’ threat response systems that have been part of our physiology for millions of years.” The family therapist Lisa Olivera says that “we are having to process a lot more than we normally do, all at once. What we are experiencing could be considered a collective trauma, as it is impacting the entire world.” When we feel stressed or under threat, we often unconsciously start to breathe more shallowly in order to flood the blood with oxygen. The change in our breathing doesn’t get our attention, but resulting tightness in the chest and dizziness does.
All that stress can take a significant toll on our mental health. Loneliness, fear, financial trouble, and other difficult circumstances surrounding the coronavirus can lead people to feel out of control. Calls to domestic violence hotlines are on the rise as people spend more time at home. And by mid-March there had been a sharp 33% increase in clinical anxiety reports. Everyone is extra stressed these days, but normal ways for relieving stress might not be available (being with friends, visiting family, going out to dinner, walking in parks). So the stress keeps building, and it’s hard to get rid of it. To help us feel better, doctors recommend getting good amounts of sleep and exercise, and connecting with friends and loved ones (via phone, online, the yard). And do you know what else is a scientifically proven way to combat symptoms of worry and anxiety? Prayer! That’s right: time spent doing good things like praying honestly, meditating on God’s presence, and being mindful of the Holy Spirit’s movement in the world have all been shown to relieve stress.
So when you feel some of those stress symptoms mentioned, remember that it’s very normal. And remember some good ways to smooth them out. Also remember that talking helps (better out than in), so feel free to call the church and speak to one of the staff. We are here for you! If it’s not during office hours, send a message to schedule a good time to talk on the phone. Pastor Stuart, Joy, Regina, Jane—we are all here for you! So reach out to us or others when you could use a friendly voice.
Here are just a few WNC-based agencies and therapists offering support and options during the pandemic:
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) of Western Carolina has many resources, programs, and counselors. They are also hosting virtual Family Support Group meetings via Zoom.
- Jamie Earnhardt is a mental health counselor for women who offers sliding scale options. Her areas of focus are anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and body concerns. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and offers telehealth video meetings.
- Michael Faulkner is a therapist with patients and clients in assisted living facilities. He offers online sessions, uses a sliding pay scale, and accepts all insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid.