It’s now been more than two months since the start of quarantine to stop the spread of the coronavirus. It can be exhausting just waiting. Children in our care are tired of waiting, and we keep finding creative ways for them to pass the time. The children recently performed a puppet show, giving a voice to the character they created. Some of their characters want to go back to school and miss their teachers and families. Elizabeth Kasimu, Recreational Therapist, finds this to be a good way to help children deal with living through a pandemic. She said, “While kids may not understand everything that is happening right now, something that they understand and know is play. The kids appreciated the opportunity to be creative, silly, heard, and to use imagination to make sense of the world. Play is a simple tool to help kids understand the world through scary times.”

Children are not alone in needing tools to deal with this new situation. We are talking with many people experiencing anxiety with all of the unknowns. There’s a lot of information, sometimes conflicting, that can make it difficult to know what to do to stay safe. There are also the financial burdens that can lead to worries about housing or running out of food. The best way to deal with this anxiety is by separating feelings from the facts. Nicole Holloway, Clinical Manager of Outpatient Counseling Clinics said, “Let’s talk about your feelings. You’re entitled to them. Let’s talk about what are the actual facts that we have, and then work through how you take care of yourself.”

Many people in our community find comfort in this checklist:
– Keep a journal or write about what you experience.
– Talk openly about how you feel.
– Get outside. The change in scenery helps you to feel less stuck.
– Stay connected. Apps like House Party, Zoom or teleconferencing can help.

If these ideas aren’t enough or if you are responsible for others, Holloway had this reminder: “Helpers need help too. So, it’s okay to reach out… Some people are used to being the superhero of the family and taking on all of the stress, but this is a totally different situation. So, I am encouraging people to reach out.”

You can reach out to us by calling 716-842-2750. You can also check to see if your employer offers counseling through an Employee Assistance Program. Lastly, you can call 2-1-1. This free referral service has a person on the other end of the call to listen to your issue and connect you with services in your community.