Coping in times of crisis: Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty abound in 2020

Heightened awareness during hurricane season can lead to heightened concerns, not to mention the other unprecedented events that have unfolded since the start of this year.

Gulfport Behavioral Health System has some advice from the experts on how to better cope with the current climate gripping our entire nation at this time.

As protestors flood the streets of American cities crying out against injustice and rioters vandalize, loot, and set fire to neighborhoods and businesses across the nation in the wake of COVID-19, it can seem like the world has gone crazy. Gulfport Behavioral Health System Director of Clinical Services Angie Fields said, “Right now we have a lot going on, as far as anxiety and stress and imposing types of activities with hurricane season on us, we’re kind of still dealing with COVID. We’re seeing a lot of news coverage about the social unrest.”

Fields says there’s been an uptick in those seeking services at Gulfport Behavioral Health System since the beginning of the year, but shares some things you can do to better manage stress and battle the blues: distract yourself, start a new hobby or project, and get back into a normal routine. “We really should try to create some semblance of a schedule at home, especially for little kids.”

Stress is also a silent killer so get moving. “Stress has a medical, physical effect on our bodies. It releases bad chemicals, so it’s important for us to find ways to release those bad chemicals or prevent them to begin with.”

You can seek professional services that will help you get back on track. There are a few things you can look out for that may signal that you or someone else does need professional counseling or other help. “If someone is feeling lethargic or fatigued, low energy, not having happiness, not finding happiness, sleep problems, appetite problems or just feeling down all the time, those might be the precursors to a depression.”

Help is just a phone call away. One of the free services Gulfport Behavioral System is offering is a hotline. “Just dial 228-236-2236. We have Masters level therapists that are on that line if anybody wants to just call and talk.”