COVID-19 and the Risk of Suicide
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of physical suffering, but we cannot overlook the emotional and psychological toll as well. One particularly troubling aspect of the pandemic is the increased risk factors for suicide. Although we don’t have a lot of data on suicides related to the pandemic, there are many different factors that are contributing to suicide risk during this crisis. Anxiety Many people are experiencing increased anxiety right now. They may worry about their own or a loved one’s health, [...]
How to Support Your Teen or Young Adult During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting teens and young adults in unique ways. High school students have missed important milestones like prom and graduation, while many college students are starting their fall semester from home with virtual classes. There are also many negative mental health effects that adolescents are struggling with as a result. How COVID-19 is Impacting Adolescent Mental Health The difficult circumstances of the pandemic are causing mental health issues for teens and young adults. One study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 62.9% of respondents ages 18-24 have experienced anxiety, depression, or both [...]
How to Cope with the Emotional Trauma of COVID-19
With over 29 million cases and 900,000 deaths worldwide as of September 2020, COVID-19 has devastated communities across the globe. The pandemic, which began in late 2019, has caused everyone from all walks of life to experience stress, anxiety, and loss. However, front-line and essential workers, like doctors, nurses, and grocery store workers, have often had to bear the brunt of the stress. Unfortunately for many front-line workers, COVID-19 has led to another, less obvious pandemic: trauma. High levels of stress are causing healthcare providers to experience an increase in collective trauma and PTSD. In this article, we’ll share information [...]
Insights on: Improving Your Telemedicine Experience
We are using digital technology now more than ever to connect virtually with others for a variety of reasons during COVID-19 - and receiving treatment via telemedicine is no exception. Dr. Kai-ping Wang, Chief Medical Officer of High Focus Centers, provides a brief list of simple tips to enhance the telemedicine experience for both the client and medical professional. From choosing the right equipment, to establishing a good quality connection, to setting the scene, Dr. Wang walks us through how to create a successful and safe telemedicine experience - during COVID-19 and beyond.
Steps to Use Opposite Action: Tip of the Day
Dara Podos, LAC, NCC and Tia Baranosky, LAC, NCC, adult clinicians for High Focus Centers in Lawrenceville, NJ, share their comedic re-enactment that demonstrates how many of us may be thinking, feeling and acting during COVID-19 while stuck in a unmotivated behavior pattern. Using a fun and lighthearted approach, they present 4 simple opposite action steps designed to interrupt that pattern of unproductive behavior both mentally and physically.
Taking a Time Out from Media: Tip of the Day
Lisa Miller-Samber, LPC and member of the Adult Clinical Team at High Focus Centers in Freehold, NJ, encourages us to put down our phone, turn off the TV and close our computer to help minimize the feelings of anxiety, helplessness and racing and ruminating thoughts – even PTSD – caused by everyday news about the coronavirus pandemic. Create a better sense of wellness and balance during a media time out with the creative activities on her list. Happy unplugging!
The 3 Pillars for Creating a Safe Space: Managing Trauma Symptoms During COVID-19
Written by Lindsay Wheeler, LCSW, LCADC, Executive Director of High Focus Centers in Lawrenceville In these uncertain times, it may feel difficult to discover a sense of structure and calm amidst the chaos. If you are currently managing mental health symptoms, coping with traumatic experiences, or if you are noticing a decline in your well-being during COVID-19, you may feel symptoms are heightened and unmanageable while trying to adjust to the “new normal.” The good news is that there are simple strategies anyone can practice to minimize the impact of these emotions and continue to live a life with meaning. [...]
A Pet’s Unconditional Love: Tip of the Day
Erica Stern, LSW, Coordinator of Adolescent Services for High Focus Centers in Branchburg, NJ, shares how animals can help bring us a sense of calm during stressful times. While in quarantine, we may be feeling lonely. This is when you should turn to your pets for company. They can show unconditional love and bring us happiness when we need it most.
Self-Care Tips for Parents During Times of Heightened Stress: Tip of the Day
Michele Feinberg, MD, Psychiatric Director for High Focus Centers in Norwalk, CT, shares the importance of self-care for parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in stressful times, and these can have an adverse impact on parents as they juggle work, parenting and other responsibilities. It's more important than ever for parents to take time for themselves and to recharge. Diet, exercise, sleep and self-care all play critical roles. Learn how to apply these in everyday life.
Managing Grief and Loss: Tip of the Day
Jenna Welsh, MA, LAC, Associate Coordinator of Adolescent Psychiatric Services at High Focus Centers in Cranford, NJ, shares some helpful tips for managing feelings of grief and loss during the coronavirus pandemic. Grief and loss can be felt as a result of many things - the death of a loved one, loss of a job, family conflict or cancellation of events. It's important that we recognize that our feelings are valid and that we take the time to deal with them. Learn some of the many ways that you can cope with these feelings, including self-care, mindfulness, exercise and connecting [...]
Focus on: Self-Compassion Strategies During Quarantine
Marlena Mignano, LSW with High Focus Centers in Freehold, New Jersey, discusses the importance of self-compassion during this time of quarantine and social distancing. Much of the discussion on the internet today focuses on just getting through the pandemic and increasing productivity. But what's missing is learning how to make time for self-compassion. In this Focus On: video, Marlena shares three ways that we can show self-compassion. These include how we speak to ourselves, how we can challenge our negative self-talk, and how we can learn to take a self-compassion break.
Healing Heavy Emotions: Tip of the Day
Morgan Crease, LSW, Adolescent Clinician at High Focus Centers in Lawrenceville, NJ, discusses how mindfulness can help you deal with heavy emotions such as anger, sadness, or anxiety. Especially during this time of quarantine, you may be feeling lonely or depressed. Learn how this simple mindfulness activity can provide a non-judgmental approach to working through your emotions so that you can let them go.
