It seems that everything we read about the current COVID-19 experience begins with an acknowledgment that these are unprecedented times—because they are. The struggles we are currently facing are so unique and new that each day we are all learning together how best to manage them. There are no right or wrong emotions for a time like this, nor are there “correct” ways to cope. But, despite the uncertainty and instability, there are things we can do to make life just a bit easier for ourselves and our loved ones.
Here at Random Acts, we understand how overwhelming and emotionally complicated just getting through each day can be as we continue to shelter in place. Even looking for help can be an overwhelming task in a sea of information and opinions.
To that end, we have put together several toolkits to provide straightforward, practical, and evidence-based approaches to coping with this new normal. These guides explore everything from hygiene and medical care to ways to maintain mental health to things to expect from children as they adapt to these new circumstances. You can find links to these toolkits here:
- Toolkit: Helping Families Cope with Coronavirus
- Toolkit: Family Stress
- Toolkit: Getting Through Mourning and Grief
- Toolkit: Helping Others Get Through Mourning and Grief
Coping with Anxiety and Grief
While each of us is emotionally experiencing this in our own ways, two commonly experienced emotions right now are anxiety and grief. Whether the changes to your life are slight or substantial, it can be difficult to lose what felt normal. These changes can feel even more worrisome when the future seems so uncertain.
In recent weeks, our Co-Founder Misha Collins and Executive Director Rachel Miner have held conversations with several mental health professionals. In these talks they share their experiences and further discussion on managing anxiety and grief throughout this crisis. Misha and clinical psychologist Dr. Ali Mattu spent time identifying and normalizing feelings many of us are experiencing, and also providing practical advice on coping. Rachel and clinical psychologist Dr. Janina Scarlet (along with Ruth Connell) discussed how to use Supernatural and the #SPNFamily as inspiration for facing COVID-19, as well as having an in-depth discussion on dealing with grief through the pandemic. Links to all of these discussions are below:
- Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety with Misha Collins and Dr. Ali Mattu
- Superhero Therapy Podcast ep. 44: How to Face the Pandemic Like a Hunter IRL with Rachel Miner, Ruth Connell, and Dr. Janina Scarlet
- Superhero Therapy Podcast ep. 48: Embracing our Grief with Rachel Miner and Dr. Janina Scarlet
Helping the Helpers—And Ourselves
Though we may be physically isolated from each other, we are all going through this together. If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, crisis counselors are available to chat with at imalive.org.
If you are able and would like to assist us in helping the helpers through the Random Acts Support program, please click HERE to donate or to nominate an organization doing amazing work in your community. 100% of funds raised will go to organizations and groups that are helping communities and individuals through this crisis.
