HJAR Sep/Oct 2020

14 SEP / OCT 2020 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS MENTAL HEALTH anxiety-provoking news programs. Try to schedule an hour or so to research a topic, versus spending the majority of the day fact finding. What advice would you give front- line healthcare professionals who are dealing directly with COVID-19 patients? Practice self-care as much as possible, and take several breaks. Making time to un- wind allows one to recognize that the in- tense feelings can decrease. Breathe. Talk with your fellow coworkers. Know that you are not alone in this. If in treatment, please keep all psychiatric and/or therapy relation- ships that have been established. You may consider getting into an evidenced-based treatment plan with a licensed professional, which can be extremely helpful and sup- portive during this time. Thankfully, Chenal Family Therapy has over 75 professionals participating in telemedicine with flexible schedules. For more information on coping with COVID-19, please visit www.cdc.gov . Considering concerns about the contagion level of SARS-CoV-2, how can healthcare workers man- age the fear of spreading the virus asymptomatically to members of their household? Healthcare workers can best manage fear by recognizing what is in our control, and what is not. Know that it is normal and okay to be concerned about your family. Practic- ing good hygiene is our best way of slowing the spread. Rest on the fact that you are do- ing your best. What is the best way to deal with people who are focusing on the constant barrage of bad news in the media? The best way is to limit your time with them. Log off and take a social media break if they are popping up on your newsfeed. Turn off the TV. Put down the newspaper. Exit the group chat. We have several thou- sand thoughts per day, and quite a few can be negative. Taking a break from the bad news decreases the possibility of reinforcing those negative thoughts. As an experienced mental health professional, what is your personal source of peace that quiets your mind during difficult times? My peace comes from journaling and prayer. These practices are cleansing, therapeutic, and allow me tow see if my thoughts are fact or fiction. I then practice gratitude by identifying three things I appreciate daily. This shifts my thoughts from sorrow to centered. n